RESIDENTS

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

Everyone enjoys a manicured lawn > soil conditions are rarely tested prior to fertilizing the lawn > improper fertilization can wash nutrients into receiving waters > algae feed on the nutrients causing rapid-growth “blooms” > fish, plants, and other aquatic life suffers from lack of light and oxygen > humans cannot fish or swim in these waters

Always read the label before fertilizing the lawn. Hire professionals to test the soil or apply the chemicals
for you.

Pets are great companions > cleaning up pet waste is undesirable > improper disposal can wash harmful bacteria into receiving waters > the bacteria feed on nutrients deposited from over-fertilization causing “blooms” > fish, plants, and other aquatic life suffer > humans cannot fish or swim in these waters

Clean up after pets. Dispose of the waste in garbage cans for licensed haulers to transport.

Lawns must be mowed several times per month > grass clippings are swept into the storm sewer system > as the clippings decompose, they release nutrients into receiving waters > algae and bacteria feed on the nutrients causing rapid-growth “blooms” > fish, plants, and other aquatic life suffers from lack of light and oxygen > humans cannot fish or swim in these waters

Never blow grass clippings or lawn waste into the storm sewer system. Bag it for the licensed waste haulers to transport or compost the waste into mulch.

Bugs and weeds are a nuisance > homeowners often use too much poison > improper application can wash pesticides and herbicides into receiving waters > the poisons accumulate in slow-moving creeks and bayous > fish, plants, and other aquatic life suffer > humans cannot fish or swim in these waters

Always read the label before spraying pesticides or herbicides. Hire professionals to apply the chemicals for you.

Washing the car is a good way to protect your investment > homeowners and volunteer car washes use soap and chemicals that flow directly to the storm sewer system > these chemicals accumulate in slow-moving creeks and bayous > fish, plants, and other aquatic life suffer > humans cannot fish or swim in these waters

Use biodegradable soaps and minimize water runoff where practical. Have the car washed at commercial car wash. Commercial car washes are required to treat the water before it goes into the storm sewer system.

Household hazardous wastes are common in residential areas > the trash service doesn’t pick up tires, paint, used oil, or batteries > these wastes are illegally dumped on vacant property or dumped down the storm sewer system > these pollutants move through the system, without treatment, and discharge directly to the receiving waters > fish, plants, and other aquatic life suffer > humans cannot fish or swim in these waters

Some licensed trash services will pick up household hazardous wastes, but only on certain dates. Check with your trash services to see if these items can be collected.  Many communities have hazardous waste events, and some facilities will accept these items for a small fee.

Lawns need plenty of water during the hotter months > homeowners and sprinkler systems can overwater lawns > bacteria, fertilizer, lawn 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

Water your lawn during the early hours of the morning or late in the evening to maximize water absorption. Set automatic sprinklers to only water as much as needed. Avoid overspray from sprinkler heads onto impervious surfaces like concrete.