What is Storm Water?
Storm water is rain and snow melt that runs off
surfaces such as rooftops, paved streets, highways,
and parking lots. As water runs off these surfaces,
it can pick up pollution such as: oil, fertilizers,
pesticides, soil, trash, and animal waste. From
here, the water might flow directly into a local
stream, bay, or lake. Or, it may go into a storm
drain and continue through storm pipes until it is
released untreated into local waterways such as
nearby streams, rivers and the Puget Sound.
What’s the problem?
Rain is a part of life in the
Pacific Northwest. Storm water runoff is rain (or
snowmelt) that flows off developed land.
Virtually all of our urban
creeks, streams, and rivers are harmed by storm
water pollution. Storm water is the leading
contributor to water quality pollution of urban
waterways in Washington.
How does it affect you?
Untreated storm water is unsafe. It can contain
toxic metals, organic compounds, bacteria, and
viruses.
Untreated storm water is not safe for people to
drink and is not recommended for swimming. Polluted
storm water can lead to beach closures for swimming
and shellfish harvesting. It can also trigger toxic
algae blooms. During the wet winter months high
storm water flows can cause flooding and damage
property
How does it effect the environment?
In Washington, urban storm water harms and pollutes
streams that provide habitat for fish and wildlife.
Alterations to the watershed, such as building homes
and other structures and clearing away trees and
shrubs, are the leading causes for storm water
pollution. Storm water transports a mixture of
pollutants such as petroleum products, heavy metals,
animal waste and sediments from construction sites,
roads, highways, parking lots, lawns and other
developed lands.
In
addition, more impervious surface area means less
water soaks into the ground. As a result, drinking
water supplies are not replenished and streams and
wetlands are not recharged. This can lead to water
shortages for people and inadequate stream flows and
wetland water levels for fish and other wildlife.
Storm Drains Lead to Lakes and Streams
Storm drainage systems are designed to decrease the
chance of flooding in areas that have been developed
with homes, businesses, and roads. The rainwater
that used to seep into vegetated areas now must be
collected and carried elsewhere. The storm drainage
system collects this storm water runoff and carries
it to the nearest wetland, lake, stream. In Algona
the storm drainage system are in the form of ditches
that carry the stormwater along a roadside or piece
of property. These drainage systems are meant to
carry only unpolluted stormwater to the nearest
natural body of water. Putting oil, antifreeze,
detergents, and other
material into the storm
drainage system is the same as dumping them directly
into a lake or stream.
The sanitary sewer system is different. Sanitary
sewer drains lead to the sanitary sewer system and
end up at a wastewater treatment plant. This system
carries household wastewater and some permitted
industrial wastewater. The wastewater in this system
is treated before being discharged into a natural
water body.
Keeping pollutants out of the water isn't just a
good idea - it's the law. The Washington State Water
Pollution Control Law (RCW 90.48) and the King
County Code (KCC 9.12) prohibit the discharge of
pollutants to the storm drainage system, surface
water and groundwater. Direct dumping of material or
polluted stormwater can negatively affect every
water body it enters. Pollution can cause: algae
blooms that cause taste and odor problems and
impaired recreation and aesthetics; lesions and
tumors in fish and other animals; destruction of
fish spawning areas and other habitat for plants and
animals; decrease in fishing, swimming, and boating
opportunities.
Many people know that it is illegal to dump toxic
chemicals or other material down a storm drain. But
you also are polluting if you allow pollutants to be
washed into a storm drain with stormwater runoff or
with wash water. For instance, you may be
polluting if you:
-
allow wash water from engine equipment or car
washing to enter a storm drain;
-
spill antifreeze or other material without
cleaning it up;
-
allow materials or wastes stored outside to leak
on the ground; or
-
clear land without taking steps to prevent
erosion.
-
Litter
These pollutants can harm fish and wildlife
populations, kill native vegetation, foul drinking
water supplies, and make recreational areas unsafe
and unpleasant.
1. Dispose of used motor oil responsibly -- recycle it!
Drain your used motor oil into a clean container and
take it to an approved collection site. Many
full-service gas stations, discount stores, quick lube
centers, and auto parts stores will accept your used
motor oil and filters free of charge. Check out
Motor
Vehicle Care section of this site to find locations
and hours.
2. Dispose of household hazardous waste properly. Use
non-toxic alternatives.
Never pour hazardous wastes on the ground, in a storm
drain, or in an indoor drain. Consider using non-toxic
alternatives to toxic household chemicals, or visit
www.metrokc.gov to find the date and location of the
next hazardous waste collection event.
3. Practice the seven
Principles of Xeriscape on your yard.
Xeriscape is the practice of landscaping with native
plants and plants that adapt well to our area. Because
these plants need less attention and water, a xeriscape
landscape will lower your water bill and reduce the need
for fertilizers and pesticides.
4. Use pesticides and slow-release fertilizers properly.
Use non-toxic alternatives.
When applying pesticides and fertilizers, read the
directions! Water fertilizers in with a sprinkler and
don't apply before a rain, which can wash garden
chemicals into storm water drains. Some pesticides can
kill fish and other animal life and improper use of
fertilizers can cause algae growth, which degrades water
quality.
5. Water lawns and gardens responsibly.
Water only your lawn and garden, not the sidewalk or
street. Direct downspouts away from paved surfaces to
prevent runoff.
6. Don't dump grass and yard waste in storm drains or on
creek banks.
Grass clippings and yard waste also cause algae growth.
Dumping anything, including yard waste, can prevent
effective drainage and cause flooding. Use a mulching
mower, a mulching blade, or put your clippings in a
compost bin.
7. Wash your car at a car wash.
Cleaning your car at a car wash prevents the soap,
polishes, waxes and other chemicals from entering the
storm drain system. A car wash drains to the sanitary
sewer.
8. Correct erosion problems.
Use landscaping, retaining walls, and
other barriers to prevent soil from washing away into
storm drains or directly into creeks. Silt prevents
effective drainage by blocking and displacing water.
9. Dispose of trash properly.
Put trash, including cigarette butts, in proper
receptacles, not on the ground, where they can wash into
storm drains and eventually pollute a creek, river or
lake.
10. Pick up pet waste.
Pet waste can add bacteria to the water, which can have
harmful effects on aquatic life, other wildlife, and
humans.
11. Report polluters by calling the City of Algona at
(253) 833-2897
