The United States Environmental Protection Agency has identified storm water runoff as a leading cause of pollution of our national waterways. Oil, dirt, garbage, salt, grease, soap, litter and chemicals wash off our roadways and lawns and into roadside storm sewers, and later empty untreated into waterways. Help reclaim a priceless resource and protect our water by following these tips to cut back storm water pollution of backyard creeks, streams, ponds and rivers. It’s a simple individual responsibility that makes a positive impact on our community.
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Contact your local hazardous waste collection site before disposing hazardous materials such as paint, antifreeze, oil or gasoline. Follow these tips when dealing with hazardous materials to help reduce storm water pollution.
- Store hazardous materials properly to prevent spills. Store them in the original closed container. Never pour hazardous materials into the street, sewer or storm drain!
- If you spill fluids, contain it immediately with rags or kitty litter.
- Shop for non-hazardous household cleaning products.
- If you use water-based paints, rinse paintbrushes in the sink. For oil based paints, filter and reuse paint thinner. Dispose of thinner through a household hazardous waste program in your area.
- Use hazardous substances such as paints, solvents and cleaners sparingly and according to the directions.
- If you're working on a home improvement project, dispose of drywall, concrete and mortar in the trash. Don't rinse concrete or mortar into the street.
- For a complete listing of disposal standards, click here to download an information sheet from the Northern Kentucky Household Hazardous Waste Coalition.
Don’t litter! Litter washes down storm sewers with rain or melted snow and ends up in backyard creeks, streams, ponds and rivers, posing a threat for fish and other wildlife that may mistake our trash for food. Litter reduces water quality and the beauty and recreational value of water. Did you know that cigarette butts take 25 years to break down? Plastic rings take 100 years and a glass bottle takes 1,000 years to break down. Keep litter in its place by following these guidelines:
- Keep your garbage can and recycling bins clean and closed properly to prevent animals from scattering trash.
- Participate in local recycling programs.
- Don’t toss cigarette butts, wrappers or any litter out of cars.
- Pick up trash and litter around your yard.
- Sweep driveways, porches and sidewalks instead of hosing them down, which sends pollutants straight to our streams, creeks, ponds and rivers.
Did you know that one-quart of oil can contaminate up to 2 million gallons of water? Vehicle fluids are a big source of storm water pollution. Be the solution by following these guidelines:
- Put used oil, gas or antifreeze in sealed plastic containers.
- Clean up spilled brake fluid, oil, grease, and antifreeze carefully; don’t hose off into the street.
- Prevent vehicle fluids such as oil, gas, and antifreeze from entering a storm drain by disposing of them properly.
- DO NOT pour used oil down nearby storm sewers.
Clean up after your pets! Pet waste left on yards, streets or sidewalks washes into storm sewers and empties untreated into water bodies. Coliform bacteria in pet waste is harmful to our health. To keep our drinking water safe and healthy:
- Throw pet waste away in the trash or toilet.
- Carry a plastic bag when you walk your pet to pick up the waste.
- When treating your pet and yard for fleas or ticks, check with your veterinarian for safe substitutes that will minimize impact to the storm drains and your family. Dispose flea dip liquid as a household hazardous waste.
Fertilizers, pesticides and over-watering can contribute to storm water pollution. These chemicals don’t soak into the ground as well as you may think. Take care of your garden in a more environmentally friendly way by following these tips:
- Compost yard waste, grass clippings, tree trimmings, and leaves.
- Apply chemicals to your lawn sparingly.
- Don’t over water your lawn. If you do water, do so in the morning or evening to reduce evaporation.
- When using pesticides, identify the pests before spraying and only buy what you will use.
- Don’t spray pesticides when weather calls for rain.
- Create healthy soil by adding compost that contains organic matter and nutrients.
- Use drought resistant native plants that conserve water, which reduces storm water runoff. Use mulch instead of herbicides to prevent weeds from growing and to help absorb water.
When you wash your car at home, that soapy water typically goes to backyard creeks, streams, ponds and rivers through storm sewers. Soap is poisonous to fish and can damage their gills. Wash your car at a commercial car wash that empties used water into the sanitary sewer to be treated before being released into streams, creeks, ponds and rivers. If you wash your own car, use a shutoff nozzle on your hose to reduce runoff. Consider pulling your car up onto the lawn to avoid runoff to the storm drain.
