How storm water Is carried to surface waters
Storm water runoff may be carried through
natural or manmade drainage ways or conveyance systems. In
some cases storm water runoff leaves a site spread out over
a large dispersed area as “sheet flow.” It may also be
conveyed through natural ditches, swales and natural
drainage features. In most developing and urbanizing
areas, storm water is conveyed through a system of catch
basins and pipes commonly referred to as a storm sewer
system.
Public awareness of the potential impacts of storm water
runoff
Public awareness is an important part of
storm water pollutant reduction. Unfortunately not everyone
is currently aware that the decisions they make can have an
impact on storm water pollution. As an example, some
people assume that storm water runoff that enters a storm
sewer system is being routed to some type of treatment
process before entering our surface waters. In Wilson
county, there is no pre-treatment of storm water. Storm
sewer systems are designed simply to capture the storm water
and convey it to the nearest surface water.
Activities that citizens can be involved with to help
control storm water pollution
Many of our daily activities have the
potential to cause storm water pollution. Any situation
where activities can contribute more pollutants to storm
water runoff is an area that should be considered in
attempts to minimize impacts. The list below is certainly
not all inclusive, but it gives an idea of things citizens
can do to help control storm water pollution.
- Maintain buffer areas around stream
segments to protect stream banks and to provide a
mechanism for pollutant removal.
- Minimize impervious areas to reduce
runoff.
- Design all new construction to
prevent or minimize runoff and storm water pollution – a
major component here is planning up front in the design
process to consider and manage potential storm water
problems.
- Practice “good housekeeping” by
keeping areas clean of potentially harmful pollutants.
This also may involve changing activities or practices
if they have potential impacts.
- Use lawn care practices that protect
water quality – minimize the use of fertilizers and
pesticides, and when used, do so in a safe manner. When
possible incorporate native plant species since they are
best adapted to the local growing conditions and tend to
be naturally pest resistant.
- Properly use and store household
materials and be aware of and make use of local
recycling and collection centers to handle household
wastes.
- Remember that any materials that are
poured or placed on the ground, streets, driveways, etc.
can be picked up and carried by storm water runoff to
our surface waters
- Report any pollution, illegal
dumping, or soil erosion that you see to the appropriate
authorities.
- Get involved with local efforts for
public education, water quality monitoring, stream
cleanup, recycling, etc.
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