Stormwater runoff can impact the water quality of local streams, creeks, and bayous. As rainwater flows over residential and commercial rooftops, lawns and landscaping, construction sites, and roadways, the water can carry sediment and other pollutants into the streets and gutters. The storm sewer system collects rainwater and conveys it directly into local flood control ditches and waterways without filtering or cleaning any of the runoff water. Sediment, litter, pesticides, animal wastes, fertilizers, and other harmful pollutants from suburban and business areas, facilities, construction sites, or District operations can have major downstream impacts on local waterways and beaches. Rainwater runoff moves most of these pollutants from a residence, facility, construction site, or place of business through the storm sewer system, and into the receiving water. However, lawn watering can also transport these pollutants.
Runoff from over watering a lawn laden with fertilizer and insecticide, household chemical waste improperly disposed in drains, and animal waste buildup all contribute to toxins that can end up in drains and eventually to watersheds intended to protect against rising watersheds.
It takes minimal effort to keep our stormwater clean. For more information on simple things you can do to protect our waterways, please visit www.cleanbayous.org.