Keep it Clear

Motor oil is one of the hardest contaminants to remove from our water, so it should never be dumped down storm drains. When you change the oil in your car, runoff can go into the gutter and enter the stormwater collection system.

Paints and paint thinners become serious offenders of groundwater pollution when they are dumped on the ground or into storm drains. When cleaning after a home renovation project, toxins can enter the stormwater collection system and pollute the water supply.

Most pools do not need to be drained often. But even regular maintenance, such as cleaning the filter, can cause pollution to enter the storm drains if not done properly. When pool water is drained into or near a storm drain, chlorine and other chemicals can enter the groundwater.

Before dumping sewage, which includes RV waste, wastewater, commercial kitchen oil, or any cleaning solution, you have to find the right place to do so! Sewage is harmful to the environment and should never go down the storm drain because it can contaminate our groundwater.

If you fertilize or use pesticides in your yard, you may be polluting the groundwater. Inadvertent overwatering leads to chemical contaminants flowing into the storm drains. Nitrates from fertilizers and toxins from pesticides are soluble pollutants that can quickly reach our groundwater.