Municipal employees

Storm Water Affects Water Quality

Storm water runoff can impact the water quality of local streams, creeks, and bayous. As rain water flows over residential rooftops and lawns, the water can carry sediment and other pollutants into the streets and gutters. The storm sewer system collects rain water and conveys it directly into local flood control ditches and waterways without filtering or cleaning any of the runoff water. Sediment, pesticides, animal wastes, fertilizers, and other harmful pollutants from suburban areas can have major downstream impacts on local waterways and beaches. Rain water runoff moves most of these pollutants from a residence, through the storm sewer system, and into the receiving water. However, lawn watering can also transport these pollutants.

Polluted storm water runoff from urbanized areas is a major contributor to poor water quality. The State of Texas General Land Office issued beach advisories 335 times for a total of 473 days in 2006. Almost every waterway in the Houston area is considered impaired by the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Minimize the Impact

Pressure washing > some facilities may require routine pressure washing of building exteriors, parking lots, equipment, etc > soaps and chemical cleansers are applied to remove grit and grime > these pollutants are flushed into the storm sewer system untreated > fish, plants, and other aquatic life suffer > humans cannot fish or swim in these waters

Whenever possible, avoid soap and chemical cleansers when pressure washing. Many of the cleaners can be more harmful to receiving waters than the grit and grime being washed away. Minimize pressure washing activities when practical.

Fleet vehicles > some fleet vehicles don’t always enjoy proper maintenance > small leaks and drips create grime on the surface of parking lots and roadways > rain water flushes these pollutants into the storm sewer system untreated > fish, plants, and other aquatic life suffer > humans cannot fish or swim in these waters

Always maintain fleet vehicles in designated areas to avoid fluid spills. Address all drips, no matter how small, immediately.

Dumpster maintenance > dumpster lids are often removed or forced open for ease of use > uncontained trash blows into the storm sewer system and leaky dumpsters can spill into nearby grate inlets > fish, plants, and other aquatic life suffer > humans cannot fish or swim in these waters

Trash should be handled by a licensed waste hauling service. Dumpsters should have lids to contain trash. Dumpsters should be positioned away from any storm sewer inlets.

Parking lots > oil and grit can accumulate in parking lots > rain water flushes these pollutants into the storm sewer system untreated > these pollutants accumulate in slow-moving creeks and bayous > fish, plants, and other aquatic life suffer > humans cannot fish or swim in these waters

Parking lots should be kept free of trash and should be cleaned regularly. Consider installing oil/grit/trash separator units to filter untreated parking lot runoff.

Detention ponds serve the Ditrict by controlling flood waters > some detention ponds are not regularly maintained > without regular mowing and trash clean out, detention ponds can retain water > shallow water can diminish the pond’s flood capacity, attract undesirable insects and wildlife, and allow bacteria and algae to “bloom” > fish, plants, and other aquatic life suffer > humans cannot fish or swim in these waters

Detention ponds should be maintained to prevent water retainage and uncontrolled grass growth. Trash should be removed as often as necessary to prevent discharges to receiving waters.

Material storage > some chemicals and hazardous materials are stored outdoors at District facilities > these products may have coatings or residues that wash off when exposed to rain water > these pollutants accumulate in slow-moving creeks and bayous > fish, plants, and other aquatic life suffer > humans cannot fish or swim in these waters

All materials should be stored in an orderly fashion. Where practical, the materials should be stored off of the ground and protected from storm water runoff.

Hazardous Waste Disposal > Districts must dispose of hazardous byproducts like left over chemicals, screened trash, and scrap materials > these products may have coatings or residues that wash off when exposed to rain water > these pollutants accumulate in slow-moving creeks and bayous > fish, plants, and other aquatic life suffer > humans cannot fish or swim in these waters

Store hazardous wastes in proper containers until they can be transported by a licensed hazardous waste disposal company. Where possible, store these items off of the ground and protected from storm water runoff.

Overwatering > many Districts rely on sprinkler systems to water nearby landscaping > poorly maintained sprinkler systems can overwater landscaping > bacteria, fertilizer, grass clippings, and other pollutants can be washed into receiving waters > fish, plants, and other aquatic life suffer > humans cannot fish or swim in these waters

Have the sprinkler system regularly inspected and maintained. Set automatic sprinklers to only water as much as needed. Avoid overspray from sprinkler heads onto impervious surfaces like concrete. Set timers for early hours of the morning or late in the evening to maximize water absorption.

Fire hydrants > fire hydrant flushings are a necessary part of the inspection and maintenance of the water infrastructure > the initial flush often produces heavy metals, oils, and other pollutants > these pollutants accumulate in slow-moving creeks and bayous > fish, plants, and other aquatic life suffer > humans cannot fish or swim in these waters

Be mindful of the discharge whenever fire hydrant flushings take place. Try to flush on to grassy areas when practical instead of concrete.