April Showers Bring Stormwater Runoff

It might not have felt like it these past few weeks, but spring is coming! Increasing temperatures and increasing precipitation bring more than just flowers, though—it also means more stormwater rushing down our storm drains. This month, we take a look at what happens to stormwater and what we can do to help protect our environment. Next month, we’ll look at what happens to water that goes down drains inside your house.

Unlike water inside your house, which flows into our sewer system before being treated, stormwater runoff goes down our storm drains and flows unfiltered and untreated into our streams, rivers, and lakes. Along the way, it picks up pollutants from our roads, lawns, driveways, and sidewalks.

This means it’s important that household and automotive hazardous wastes not be dumped down storm drains. Common hazardous wastes such as paint and oil should be disposed of properly. Automotive oil can be disposed of at local auto parts stores. And other household hazardous waste should be taken to the SWACO HHW Drop-Off Facility located at 645 E. 8th Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43201.

Even seemingly harmless activities can negatively impact our streams and water bodies. When we wash our cars in the driveway, the soapy water often contains metal particles (brake dust) and oil, grease, etc. You can solve this problem by using a commercial car wash where the water drains into the sewer system rather than the storm drain.

Additionally, litter and even leaves and grass clippings can contaminate the water flowing into our storm drains. Excessive particulate matter flowing into streams can reduce light penetration and smother habitats for aquatic wildlife. Yard waste can also carry pollutants from lawn fertilizers into the water, which contribute to harmful algal blooms. So sweeping up yard debris and keeping road gutters clear not only improves the look of your property, it also helps protect water quality!

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