What does lawn care and pet waste have to do with stormwater pollution?

Excess fertilizers and pesticides applied to lawns and gardens wash off, are carried through the storm sewer system, and pollute the waterbodies. Yard clippings (grass, brush, etc.) and leaves can wash into storm drains and can choke, suffocate, or disable aquatic life. Be sure to cover piles of dirt or mulch being used in landscaping projects. Do not over fertilize or use pesticides during a forecasted rain event. Leaving pet waste on the ground increases public health risks by allowing harmful bacteria and nutrients to wash into the storm drain and eventually into local waterbodies

Show All Answers

1. What is Stormwater?
2. Why is there a concern about stormwater quality?
3. What does lawn care and pet waste have to do with stormwater pollution?
4. How can washing my car affect stormwater runoff?
5. Why can’t I drain my pool into the street?
6. I am a commercial property owner and only have concrete sidewalks and an asphalt parking lot; do any of the stormwater issues really affect me?
7. What is an illicit discharge and what are the consequences?
8. Who can I call to report an illicit discharge?
9. Where can I find more information?