FAQ's/glossary
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between storm drains and sewers?
What is stormwater, and why is it important?
What should not enter a storm drain?
What may enter a storm drain?
What can I do to reduce pollution in stormwater runoff?
What are Best Management Practices (BMPs)?
Where do I find more information
about stormwater pollution?
Where do I find information about recycling and hazardous waste disposal?
What is the difference between storm drains and sewers?
The sewer system collects water from inside homes and businesses and carries
it to a treatment plant where it is cleaned before being released into the
ocean. The storm drains system collects water and litter from outside our
homes and businesses and carries it, untreated directly to the ocean.
What is stormwater, and why is it important?
Stormwater is water from rain or melting snow that does not soak into the ground.
It flows from rooftops, over paved areas and bare soil, and through sloped
lawns. As it flows, this stormwater runoff collects litter, cigarette butts
and anything in its path including the following pollutants:
| POLLUTANTS | SOURCES |
| Silt, sand, clay | Construction sites; bare spots in lawns and gardens; wastewater from sediment and other debris; washing cars and trucks on driveways or parking lots; dirt roads and driveways; unprotected stream banks and drainage-ways |
| Nutrients | Fertilizers; pet waste; grass clippings and leaves left on streets and sidewalks; leaves burned in ditches; atmospheric deposition |
| Disease organisms | Pet and wildlife waste; garbage |
| Hydrocarbons | Car and truck exhaust; leaks and spills of oil and gas; used oil dumping; burning leaves and garbage |
| Pesticides | Pesticides over-applied or applied before a rainstorm; spills and leaks |
| Metals | Cars and trucks (brake and tire wear, exhaust); galvanized metal gutters and downspouts; industrial activities |
Polluted stormwater degrades streams, rivers, ponds, wetlands, estuaries, sounds, and bays. Soil clouds water and deteriorates habitat for fish and plants. Nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus promote the growth of algae, which crowd out other aquatic life. Toxic chemicals, such as antifreeze and oil from leaking cars, carelessly applied pesticides, and zinc from galvanized metal gutters and downspouts, also threaten the health of fish and other aquatic life. Bacteria and parasites from pet waste and leaking septic tanks can make lakes and the ocean unsafe for wading and swimming after storms.
What should not enter a storm drain?
•Oil, anti-freeze,
paint, cleaning fluids
•Wash water from a commercial car wash
•Industrial discharges
•Wash waters from commercial/industrial activities
•Contaminated foundation drains
•Sanitary sewer discharges
•Septic tank discharges
•Washing machine discharges
•Chlorinated backwash and draining associated with swimming pools
What may enter a storm drain?
Surface water
•Diverted stream flows
•Springs
•Flows from riparian habitats and wetlands
Ground water
•Uncontaminated rising ground water
•Uncontaminated ground water
•Foundation drains
•Water from crawl space pumps
•Footing drains
Potable water
•Irrigation water
•Landscape irrigation
•Lawn watering
•Dechlorinated backwash and draining associated with swimming pools
•Fire fighting emergency activities
•Single residential car washing
What can I do to reduce pollution in stormwater runoff?
Everybody can reduce pollution in stormwater by implementing a few good "housekeeping" practices.
•Maintain your automobile.
•Regular car maintenance can reduce oil drippings and other pollutants
on the road.
•Use biodegradable products for landscaping, car washing, etc.
•Keep storm drains and street gutters clear of debris.
•Bag or mulch lawn clippings so they won't wash into nearby storm drains.
•Clean up after your pets.
•Store and dispose of household chemicals properly. Always use them in
the way they were intended. Seal the product to prevent leakage. Take unwanted
hazardous wastes to a proper disposal facility.
•Don't treat roofs or driveways with toxic chemicals used for cleaning
or moss retardation.
•Plant native vegetation
•Reduce your use of fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides in your yard
and garden. If you do apply fertilizer and chemicals to your lawn, follow the
application instructions found on the label.
What are Best Management Practices (BMPs)?
Best Management Practices (BMPs) are good housekeeping solutions that include
the proper handling, storage, and disposal of toxic materials to prevent
stormwater pollution.
Where do I find more information about stormwater pollution?
Go to www.vcstormwater.org
Where do I find information about recycling and hazardous waste disposal?
Go to www.wasteless.org for detailed information on both residential and commercial
recycling and hazardous waste collection programs.
