Stormwater for Residents
Why Stormwater is Important to Residents
Polluted stormwater entering water bodies can cause destruction of fish, wildlife, and aquatic habitats, cause a loss in aesthetic value, and threaten public health due to contaminated food and drinking water supplies, as well as the negative effects it has on recreational waterways.
Stormwater is generally not treated before it is discharged to waterbodies, and therefore potential pollutants could be going directly into streams.
Causes of Stormwater Pollution
Stormwater pollution is caused by the daily activities of people everywhere. Rainwater and snowmelt run off streets, lawns, farms, and construction and industrial sites and pick up fertilizers, dirt, pesticides, oil and grease, and many other pollutants on the way to our rivers, lakes, and coastal waters. Stormwater runoff is our most common cause of water pollution.
Best Management Practices to Implement at Home
- Clean up after pets and dispose of pet waste properly
- Store materials that could pollute waterways indoors or under cover
- Use fertilizers properly and efficiently to prevent excess runoff
- Don’t let water from car washing flow into storm drains
- Keep leaves, trash, grass clippings and other debris away from storm drain inlets
- Don’t dump excess water (pools) or other liquids into storm drains
- Report any instances of illicit discharges - Illicit Discharge Reporting Webpage
Resources
Curb Water Pollution by Starting in Your Own Backyard
Homeowners Guide to Stormwater BMP Maintenance
Montgomery County Stormwater Information
Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy
Resources for Businesses