Stormwater Fact Sheet
Storm Drains
Stormwater, the runoff from melting snow or rain, picks up dirt, chemicals, oil and pet waste as it ‘runs off’ hard surfaces like roads, sidewalks and roofs. Stormwater is carried by gutters to storm drains that lead directly to the nearest creek, stream or lake. Stormwater receives no treatment/
Water Pollution
The single largest water pollution source in North Carolina and the nation is stormwater. The number one pollutant, by volume, is sediment. Erosion from agriculture, development and eroding streambeds are primary sources.
Soil Test
Soil tests are available for free from the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services. Fertilizers can deliver different chemicals at different rates, so having a soil test let’s you know how much of a given chemical your yard needs.
Fertilizer
Grass can only take up so much fertilizer, so applying more wastes money and poses a water pollution threat. When fertilizer reaches streams, it encourages algae to grow. When algae blooms die off, they use up so much of the water’s oxygen, it can cause a fish kill.
Yard Waste
Grass clipping and leaves, if left in the gutter, can be swept into storm drains that carry the waste to local creeks, streams and rivers. Yard waste acts like a fertilizer in the water and can stimulate algae growth.
Washing Vehicles
Do it yourself car washers should wash above grass or gravel, otherwise all the soap, brake dust, oil and road dirt flow off the driveway, into the gutter and down to the closest storm drain.
Home Oil Changers
Disposing of used waste oil properly is vital because one quart of waste oil can contaminate one million gallons of clean water. Many garages, auto parts stores and even quick-change outfits will take your used oil and send it for recycling. Never throw used oil onto grass because the petroleum products can reach and contaminate groundwater.
Why Scoop the Poop?
Pet waste is like any other waste – loaded with microbes that can harm human health. Pet waste can also act like a fertilizer and stimulate algae growth. When we leave pet waste on sidewalks and streets, rain picks it up and carries it to the nearest storm drain where it contaminates the water.
Stormwater Fact SheetStorm Drains
Stormwater, the runoff from melting snow or rain, picks up dirt, chemicals, oil and pet waste as it ‘runs off’ hard surfaces like roads, sidewalks and roofs. Stormwater is carried by gutters to storm drains that lead directly to the nearest creek, stream or lake. Stormwater receives no treatment/
Water Pollution
The single largest water pollution source in North Carolina and the nation is stormwater. The number one pollutant, by volume, is sediment. Erosion from agriculture, development and eroding streambeds are primary sources.
Soil Test
Soil tests are available for free from the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services. Fertilizers can deliver different chemicals at different rates, so having a soil test let’s you know how much of a given chemical your yard needs.
Fertilizer
Grass can only take up so much fertilizer, so applying more wastes money and poses a water pollution threat. When fertilizer reaches streams, it encourages algae to grow. When algae blooms die off, they use up so much of the water’s oxygen, it can cause a fish kill.
Yard Waste
Grass clipping and leaves, if left in the gutter, can be swept into storm drains that carry the waste to local creeks, streams and rivers. Yard waste acts like a fertilizer in the water and can stimulate algae growth.
Washing Vehicles
Do it yourself car washers should wash above grass or gravel, otherwise all the soap, brake dust, oil and road dirt flow off the driveway, into the gutter and down to the closest storm drain.
Home Oil Changers
Disposing of used waste oil properly is vital because one quart of waste oil can contaminate one million gallons of clean water. Many garages, auto parts stores and even quick-change outfits will take your used oil and send it for recycling. Never throw used oil onto grass because the petroleum products can reach and contaminate groundwater.
Why Scoop the Poop?
Pet waste is like any other waste – loaded with microbes that can harm human health. Pet waste can also act like a fertilizer and stimulate algae growth. When we leave pet waste on sidewalks and streets, rain picks it up and carries it to the nearest storm drain where it contaminates the water.