The Effects of Pollution
Polluted stormwater runoff can have many adverse effects on plants,
fish, animals and people.
- Sediment can cloud the water and make it difficult or impossible
for aquatic plants to grow. Sediment also can destroy aquatic
habitats.
- Bacteria and other pathogens can wash into swimming areas and
create health hazards, often making beach closures necessary.
- Debris (plastic bags, six-pack rings, bottles, and cigarette
butts) washed into water bodies can choke, suffocate, or disable
aquatic life.
- Household hazardous wastes like insecticides, pesticides, paint,
solvents, used motor oil, and other auto fluids can poison aquatic
life. Land animals and people can become sick or die from eating
diseased fish and shellfish or ingesting polluted water.
- Polluted stormwater often affects drinking water sources. This,
in turn, can affect human health and increase drinking water
treatment costs.
Anything that enters a storm sewer system is discharged, untreated, into the water bodies people use for swimming,
fishing, and drinking water.
Pollution Solutions
Excess fertilizers and pesticides applied to lawns and gardens wash off and pollute streams. In addition, yard clippings
and leaves can wash into storm drains and contribute nutrients and organic matter to streams.
Lawn Care
- Don't over water the lawn. Consider using a drip system or
soaker hose
instead of a sprinkler.
- Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly. When use is necessary,
use these chemicals in the recommended amounts. Use organic mulch or
safer pest control methods whenever possible.
- Compost or mulch yard waste. Don't leave it in the street or
sweep it into storm drains and streams.
- Cover piles of dirt or mulch being used in landscaping projects.
Pet Waste
Pet waste can be a major source of
bacteria and excess nutrients in local waters. When walking pets,
pick up their waste and dispose of it properly. Leaving pet waste on
the ground increases public health risks by allowing harmful
bacteria and nutrients to wash into the storm drain and eventually
into local water bodies.
Auto Care
Washing cars and degreasing auto parts at home can send detergents and other contaminants through the
storm sewer system. Dumping automotive fluids into storm drains has the same result as dumping the
materials directly into a water body.
- Use a commercial car wash that treats or recycles its
wastewater, or wash the car on the yard so the water infiltrates
into the ground.
- Repair leaks and dispose of used auto fluids and batteries at
designated drop-off or recycling locations.
What Happens After
You Flush
Home Plumbing System
Plumbing Problem Causes
How Your Toilet Works
Wastewater Home Page
|
