Have you ever wondered what happens to rainwater that doesn’t soak into the ground? As rainwater flows off rooftops, over driveways, lawns, and sidewalks, and onto roadways, along its way it gathers litter, chemicals, and other pollutants that have been improperly discarded. The rain is then turned into polluted stormwater runoff, which poses a major threat to our waterways. All water that enters a storm drain ultimately flows into a water body such as a lake, pond, river, or wetland. It is important for everyone to follow environmentally friendly practices to help keep our waterways clean.
Best Management Practices (BMPs)
Blow grass clippings and soil back into the yard. This will return nutrients back into your soil. Soils and sediments cause waterways to become cloudy making it difficult for plants to grow.
Keep stormwater curbs, swales, and storm drains free of trash and debris. Debris and trash in our waterways increase the likelihood of algae blooms and low oxygen levels in the water disrupting aquatic habitat. Create a community trash clean-up day in your area.
Use slow-release fertilizers and herbicides. Water and fertilize in moderation. Over fertilization can end up hurting your lawn by aggravating insect and disease problems. Do not apply herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers near waterways or paved surfaces. Excess fertilizers often result in algae blooms in lakes and ponds. Slow-release fertilizers stay available to plants over a longer time and fewer nutrients are wasted.
Landscape with native plants. Native plants that are accustomed to Florida’s climate and often require little to no water other than natural rainfall. They also rarely need fertilizers and pesticides applied.
Wash your car on pervious areas or grassy surfaces rather than on the driveway. This allows the water to percolate and filter in the ground, replenishing the aquifer rather than flowing into storm drains that lead to waterways.
Keep your car working properly. Motor oil and fluids flow onto roads and into storm ponds and lakes. Never pour waste oil or antifreeze on the ground, into the street or down a storm drain.
Dispose of unwanted hazardous household chemicals properly. Take them to a hazardous waste drop off location for proper disposal or recycling.
Clean up pet waste. Also, Have septic tanks pumped and inspected regularly (typically every 3-5 years). These both contribute to fecal coliform in our waters.
For more information regarding stormwater, please contact the Public Services Department at 407-703-1731.