It may not be something you’ve given much thought to – seeing or hearing an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) bouncing freely along the levee. Not only is it against the law, but riding an ATV or another motor vehicle on the levee has consequences that can lead to flooding.

ATVs cause the stripping away of thick grass, which protects the levee from erosion. The damage from the vehicles also causes deep ruts and grooves in the soil where muddy ditches form. These trenches can affect the ability of the levee to keep water out of the district. The impact of this destruction can be felt in other ways, too, when the levees are inspected. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) routinely inspects the district’s pump stations, levee walls, and enclosure structures. This inspection information contributes to risk assessments and supports levee accreditation decisions for the National Flood Insurance Program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The risk of flooding into streets and homes must be fought on many fronts. Residents are asked to not use ATVs or other motor vehicles on or around the levee area. Anyone who witnesses this activity is encouraged to notify the Riverstone Home Owners office (281-778-2222), the Fort Bend Precinct 4 Constables office (281-242-4014) or the Fort Bend Sherriff’s Office (281-341-4665).

Stormwater runoff can impact the water quality of local streams, creeks, and bayous. As rain water 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 rain water 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. Rain water 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.

As rain water 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 rain water 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. Rain water 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. 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.

Proper Fertilization Practices

• Always read the label before fertilizing the lawn
• Follow the directions accordingly
• When necessary, hire professionals to test the soil or apply the chemicals for you

Proper Use of Pesticides and Herbicides

• Always read the label before spraying pesticides or herbicides
• When necessary, hire professionals to apply the chemicals for you

Proper Animal Waste Management & Disposal Practices

• Always pick up pet waste
• Carry disposable bags on your walk
• Throw away pet waste
• Encourage others to pick up pet waste

It takes minimal effort to keep our stormwater clean. For more information on simple things you can do to protect our waterways, please visit cleanbayous.org.