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RRWA would like to remind you that only rain belongs in the storm
drain. In most urban and suburban areas, the rainfall from a storm is unable
to fully absorb into the ground. To prevent this unabsorbed water from
causing floods, most cities and towns have storm drain systems to convey stormwater
out of streets and developed area and into to nearby waterways. A storm
drain system consists of gutters, curb inlets, and underground pipes.
Storm Drain...Creek...River...Ocean...
It's all connected!
The storm
drain system is not the same as the sanitary sewer system. Water and waste in the
sanitary sewer system is conveyed to a treatment plant whereas water in
the storm drain system is often discharged directly to waterways without
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Because
stormwater is discharged directly into creeks, rivers or the ocean, it is
very important to ensure that the water is not polluted before it enters
the storm drain. The symbol below appears next to many storm drain inlets
throughout the Russian River area to remind people that only rain
belongs in the storm drain.
Stormwater Pollution
Stormwater pollution begins with seemingly harmless activities such as
washing your car, taking your dog for a walk, or fertilizing your lawn.
Pollutants such as soap, solvents, anti-freeze, paint, oils, chlorine
for pools and spas, animal waste, lawn fertilizer, and pesticides are
transported to the storm drain by runoff generated from rainwater, excessive irrigation,
and car washing.
Stormwater Pollution Prevention
The list below outlines ten actions you can take to prevent stormwater
pollution
•
Avoid using pesticides in your yard. The Sonoma County
Waste Management Agency’s website provides great tips for less-toxic
pest management: www.recyclenow.org/less-toxic/.
• Minimize or eliminate use of fertilizer. Though generally
not toxic, fertilizers can still harm the environment if carried to creeks and rivers by stormwater.
• Don’t pour cooking grease down the sink. Cooking
grease poured down the sink drains can block sewer pipelines when it
congeals and cause sewer backups and overflows into the street (or your
house) and potentially into the storm drain. For more information about
proper disposal of cooking grease, see RRWA’s “FOG” (Fats, Oils and
Grease) Program web page www.rrwatershed.org/FOG.html.
• Don’t litter. Trash left in streets or driveways
will likely end up in a storm drain and eventually a creek. To learn
more about the importance of keeping litter out of the storm drain,
see the RRWA environmental column: www.rrwatershed.org/TSGC_Oct06.pdf.
• Dispose of pet waste properly. Pet waste is
typically high in nutrients and bacteria. Pet waste should be deposited
into the toilet or trash.
• Wash your car at a car wash. Detergents are
harmful to aquatic life. Most carwash facilities either connect
to the sanitary sewer system or treat and recycle the wash water on-site.
• Keep your car properly maintained and leak free.
Leaking vehicle fluids that drip onto the street or your driveway
may be washed into the storm drain by rain. Vehicle fluids, such as motor
oil and anti-freeze are harmful to aquatic life.
• Properly dispose of household toxics such as
paints, oils, grease, fluorescent bulbs, batteries and chemicals.
For more information about disposal of household toxics, see the Sonoma
County Waste Agency website www.recyclenow.org/r_householdtoxics.html.
• Properly store household toxics. Make sure
that household toxics are stored in dry areas and properly contained
so as to prevent spills.
• Reduce stormwater runoff from your property.
Capture rooftop runoff using rain barrels. The captured water can then
be used to irrigate your lawn/garden during drier months. Screen to
keep mosquitoes out. The less pavement you have on your property, the
less stormwater runoff you will generate. Consider replacing your concrete
driveway with a pervious surface.
Additional Stormwater Resources
Sonoma
County The Sonoma County website contains general guidelines
for preventing stormwater pollution as well as stormwater information
specific to Sonoma County
Healdsburg
Information about storm water management in Healdsburg
Santa
Rosa Information about storm water management in Santa Rosa
Windsor
Information about storm water management in Windsor
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