What is Stormwater?
Stormwater is the water that flows through gutters and into storm drains when it rains. Stormwater picks up pollutants as it flows across pavement and carries them into waterways. Such urban runoff, or nonpoint source pollution remains as the nations largest source of water quality problems, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
In order to comply with new requirements of the Clean Water Act, the City has obtained a permit from the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) for stormwater discharges. The NPDES permit requirements are to develop a stormwater management plan (SWMP), to be submitted to and approved by the State, and develop an ordinance governing the discharge of stormwater.
How to Prevent Stormwater Pollution
- Use a commercial car wash or wash your car on a lawn or other unpaved surface to minimize the amount of dirty, soapy water flowing into the storm drain and eventually into the Ocmulgee River.
- Check your car, boat, motorcycle, and other machinery and equipment for leaks and spills. Make repairs as soon as possible and clean up spilled fluids with absorbent material like kitty litter or sand, and don’t rinse the spills into a nearby storm drain. Remember to properly dispose of the absorbent material.
- Recycle used oil and other automotive fluids. Don’t dump these chemicals down the storm drain or dispose of them in your trash. Call 956-4483 for recycle locations.
- Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly . When use is necessary, use these chemicals in the recommended amounts. Avoid application if the forecast calls for rain; otherwise, chemicals will be washed into your local stream.
- Select native plants and grasses that are drought-and pest-resistant. Native plants require less water, fertilizer, and pesticides.
- Sweep up yard debris, rather than hosing down areas. Compost or recycle yard waste when possible.
- Don’t over water your lawn. Water during cool times of the day, and don’t let water run off into storm drain.
- Cover piles of dirt and mulch being used in landscaping projects to prevent these pollutants from blowing or washing off your yard and into local water bodies. Vegetate bare spots in your yard to prevent soil erosion.
- Before beginning an outdoor project, locate the nearest storm drains and protect them from debris and other materials.
- Sweep up and properly dispose of construction debris such as concrete or mortar.
- Use hazardous substances like paints, solvents, and cleaners in the smallest amounts possible, and follow the directions on the label.
- Clean up spills immediately, and dispose of the waste safely.
- Store substances properly to avoid leaks and spills.