What is Stormwater?
Stormwater runoff is generated from water that flows over land or impervious(hardened) surfaces, such as paved streets, parking lots, driveways, compacted soils, and building rooftops, and does not soak into the ground. Runoff can pick up and deposit harmful pollutants like trash, pet waste, pesticides, fertilizers, oils, and dirt/sediment into Mountain Park's streams and lakes. Lawns, construction sites, improperly stored hazardous wastes, and illegal dumping are all potential sources of stormwater pollutants.
Things You Can Do to Prevent Stormwater Pollution:
- Use fertilizers sparingly and sweep up driveways, sidewalks, and gutters
- Never dump anything down storm drains or in streams
- Vegetate bare spots in your yard
- Sweep or blow grass clippings and leaves off paved surfaces and back onto your lawn
- Compost your yard waste
- Clear storm drains and ditches of yard debris
- Use least toxic pesticides, follow labels, and learn how to prevent pest problems
- Direct downspouts away from paved surfaces; consider a rain garden to capture runoff
- Take your car to the car wash instead of washing it in the driveway
- Check your car for leaks and recycle your motor oil
- Pick up after your pet
- Have your septic tank pumped and system inspected regularly