Stormwater is water that runs off roofs, driveways, and streets into our storm drains and rivers. In the journey from our streets to our streams, stormwater picks up chemicals, trash, and other pollutants that contaminate our waterways. The water that flows in our storm drains flows directly into our waterways, without passing through a water treatment plant, so it is important that only rain goes down our storm drains.
Why should we care about stormwater?
Stormwater pollution is the top cause of water pollution and an important contributor to flooding. As a result, stormwater has the potential to be very disruptive to our day to day lives. By properly managing stormwater, we can reduce that impact and even start to treat stormwater as a resource.
How can you help stop water pollution?
Most stormwater pollution is completely preventable. Here are a few simple tips that can reduce your stormwater impact.
Regularly check your car for oil, gas, or antifreeze leaks, and never dispose of these items in the driveway, street, or storm drain.
Dispose of paint according to the label and take it to the landfill.
Pick up after your pet. You can bag it and trash it, or bury it a foot deep and covered 8 inches of soil.
Compost your yard trimmings or take it to the landfill.
Use pesticides and fertilizers according to the label. Do not overuse. Consider exploring alternative methods, which can be easy to use, effective, and inexpensive.
Take your car to a car wash, or wash it on the grass.
Pick up your trash. Reduce, reuse, and recycle when possible.
Install rain barrels to capture runoff. Use it later on your yard.
Build rain gardens to catch runoff and filter our pollutants.
You can anonymously report water pollution, flooding, or dumping to 706-613-3440 or our hotline, 706-614-2818.
Want to learn more about stormwater?
We are always happy to talk to you about stormwater, water quality, and water pollution. Please contact us at stormwater@accgov.com or call us at 706-613-3440 for more information.