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Spring River Basin - Stormwater Runoff
Water that runs off of our driveways, yards, and streets after a rainstorm is known as
“stormwater runoff”. This polluted
water flows into a storm drain and does not go to a facility to be treated before it runs
into area lakes and streams. Below is a list
of some things that can be done around the house to help reduce the amount of stormwater
runoff and to make sure that water entering storm drains is not overloaded with yard
debris:
- If you see oil, grease, antifreeze, or brake fluid in your driveway or garage, ask your
parents if you can help clean it up. Do not
hose it off into the grass because this could cause the chemicals to seep into the
groundwater.
- Do not pour harmful chemicals like household cleaners and paint down the drain and do not
pour them on the ground outside. Call your local city hall to find out and appropriate
disposal procedures.
- Ask your parents to buy detergents and cleaners that are low in phosphorous.
Phosphorous is a chemical that causes algae to grow faster in the lakes or rivers.
- Ask
your parents what kind of chemicals or fertilizers they put on the yard. Suggest that they cut down on these materials to
help reduce non-point pollution. Using a small
amount of fertilizer and bug sprays on your yard will reduce the amount of pollution that
runs into the stream. Soil tests can also be
completed to determine what kind and how much fertilizer is needed.
- Instead
of fertilizers that you buy from the store, your family can make a compost pile. Your family can choose a part of the yard to put
grass clippings, old vegetables, and plants from a garden.
Use this compost pile as a natural fertilizer.
When mowing the lawn, leave the clippings on the yard as a natural
fertilizer.
- If there is a street gutter near your house, don’t pour or put anything in it. This will all reach a river or lake in a small
amount of time.
- If you have a pet that goes to the bathroom in the yard, clean up after it and throw its
waste into the garbage can. When it rains on
your yard, your pet’s waste will run into the storm drain or seep into the
groundwater. This will cause harmful bacteria
and more phosphorous to enter into the river.
- Plant
some trees and plants in your yard. This will
help slow down the rainwater and reduce erosion.
- If you wash your parent’s car outside or help them with it, it is better to park the car
on a grassy area or go to a car wash. This
will reduce the amount of polluted water that will flow into the storm drain. Use low-phosphate soap and use a bucket of water to
clean your car instead of letting the hose run and run.
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