Example Post: Storm drains lead somewhere.
When rain runs over driveways, sidewalks, lawns, and streets, it can pick up things like oil, soap, fertilizers, pesticides, dirt, and pet waste. In many areas, that runoff flows untreated through storm drains directly to [local waterbody].
That means small household choices can make a major difference.
This week, we’re highlighting simple ways to help protect storm drains and local waterways — from washing your car to picking up after your pet.
Learn more: [insert local stormwater webpage or phone number].
Post: Help protect storm drains when washing your vehicle.
Car wash water can carry soap, dirt, oil, brake dust, and other pollutants from your vehicle into nearby storm drains. In many areas, storm drains flow untreated directly to [local waterbody].
The best option is to use a commercial car wash, where wash water is typically collected and routed for proper treatment or disposal. If you wash at home, wash on grass or gravel when possible so water can soak into the ground instead of running into the street.
Use as little soap as needed and keep wash water away from storm drains.
Small changes at home can help protect local waterways.
Learn more: [insert local stormwater webpage or phone number]
Example Post: Fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and other lawn chemicals can wash from yards, driveways, and sidewalks into storm drains when it rains. In many areas, storm drains flow untreated directly to [local waterbody].
Before you start, check the weather and use only what your lawn or garden needs. Avoid applying lawn chemicals on rainy or on windy days, and keep products off hard surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, and streets.
When possible, consider safer alternatives like hand-pulling weeds, adding mulch, or choosing native plants.
After applying, sweep any granules or spills back onto the lawn and store products securely. Unused or unwanted lawn chemicals should be disposed of properly through [local transfer station / hazardous waste facility / disposal program].
Small steps in the yard can help protect local waterways.
Learn more: [insert local stormwater webpage or phone number].
Post: Pressure washing can send dirty water, grime, paint chips, oil, grease, and other pollutants from driveways, sidewalks, and buildings into storm drains. In many areas, storm drains flow untreated directly to [local waterbody].
Before you start, think about where the wash water will go. Use water only, when possible, block or protect nearby storm drains, and keep wash water contained, so it does not run into the street.
If the job creates dirty wash water, collect it or direct it to an appropriate disposal location. Never let wash water with soap, chemicals, paint, or heavy sediment flow into a storm drain.
Small steps while pressure washing can help protect local waterways.
Learn more: [insert local stormwater webpage or phone number].
Post: Carpet cleaning wastewater can carry dirt, detergents, cleaning chemicals, bacteria, and other pollutants into storm drains if it is dumped outside or allowed to run into the street. In many areas, storm drains flow untreated directly to [local waterbody].
Before you start, plan where the wastewater will go. Keep wastewater contained, protect nearby storm drains, and avoid dumping or draining carpet cleaning water onto driveways, streets, gutters, ditches, or parking lots.
Carpet cleaning wastewater should be disposed of through the sanitary sewer, such as a toilet, utility sink, or other approved sewer connection, where allowed. If sanitary sewer disposal is not available, check with [local jurisdiction / sewer utility / stormwater program] for proper disposal options.
Small steps during carpet cleaning can help protect local waterways.
Learn more: [insert local stormwater webpage or phone number].
Post: Help protect storm drains when working on your vehicle at home.
Oil, antifreeze, brake fluid, and other vehicle fluids can wash from driveways and streets into storm drains when it rains. In many areas, storm drains flow untreated directly to [local waterbody].
Before you start, set yourself up to prevent spills. Use a drip pan, work under cover during dry weather when possible, and keep absorbent materials nearby in case something leaks or tips over.
Used oil and vehicle fluids should be recycled or disposed of properly. Many auto parts stores accept used motor oil, and residents can also check with [local transfer station / hazardous waste facility] for disposal options.
Small steps in the driveway can help protect local waterways.
Learn more: [insert local stormwater webpage or phone number]
Example Post: Pet waste left on lawns, sidewalks, trails, and streets can wash into storm drains when it rains. In many areas, storm drains flow untreated directly to [local waterbody].
Before you head out, bring a bag and plan to pick up after your pet. Pet waste can carry bacteria, nutrients, and parasites that can affect local streams, lakes, and beaches.
After picking it up, place pet waste in the trash. Do not leave bagged waste on the ground, near trails, or next to storm drains.
Small steps during daily walks can help protect local waterways.
Learn more: [insert local stormwater webpage or phone number].
