BE THE SOLUTION TO

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BE THE SOLUTION TO STORMWATER POLLUTION What is stormwater runoff? Stormwater runoff is generated when rain flows over areas such as sidewalks, roads, and parking lots, where rainfall does not soak into the ground. What is stormwater pollution? Stormwater pollution may occur when stormwater runoff picks up contaminants - such as chemicals, automobile fluids, and pet wastes, from the ground and carries them untreated to our local rivers, washes and retention basins through our storm drain system. What is the difference between the sanitary sewer and the storm drains? • Phoenix has two separate sewer systems, the sanitary sewer and the storm drain. • The sanitary sewer is underground and carries waste from toilets and sinks to a wastewater treatment plant. The wastewater is then treated before being discharged to the Salt River or reused for energy production, crops and wetlands. • The storm drains carry untreated stormwater runoff to local parks, rivers and washes. Only Rain in the Storm Drain! Scan with your smart phone for more information WATER SERVICES DEPARTMENT ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES DIVISION STORMWATER MANAGEMENT SECTION phoenix.gov/stormwater Stormwater Hotline: 602-256-3190 Answers for potential Stormwater Pollution Sources activity (see other side): Spilled paint can; Discarded household chemicals not properly disposed; Vehicle fluid leak on driveway; Overuse of yard chemicals; Litter on the street; Trash and yard waste when not collected in closed bags; Pet waste; Trash and recycle barrels when not covered; Grease, oil and detergents from car washing; Swimming pool water. A Guide to Protecting our Rivers, Washes and Environment.

Transcript of BE THE SOLUTION TO

BE THE SOLUTION TOSTORMWATER POLLUTION

What is stormwater runoff?

Stormwater runoff is generated when rain fl ows over areas such as sidewalks, roads, and parking lots, where rainfall does not soak into the ground.

What is stormwater pollution?

Stormwater pollution may occur when stormwater runoff picks up contaminants - such as chemicals, automobile fl uids, and pet wastes, from the ground and carries them untreated to our local rivers, washes and retention basins through our storm drain system.

What is the difference between the sanitary sewer and the storm drains?

• Phoenix has two separate sewer systems, thesanitary sewer and the storm drain.

• The sanitary sewer is underground and carrieswaste from toilets and sinks to a wastewater treatmentplant.Thewastewateristhentreatedbefore being discharged to the Salt River or reused for energy production, crops and wetlands.

• The storm drains carry untreated stormwater runoff to local parks, rivers and washes.

Only Rain in the Storm Drain!

Scan with your smart phone for more information

WATER SERVICES DEPARTMENTENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES DIVISION

STORMWATER MANAGEMENT SECTION

phoenix.gov/stormwaterStormwater Hotline: 602-256-3190

Answers for potential Stormwater Pollution Sources activity (see other side):Spilled paint can; Discarded household chemicals not properly disposed; Vehicle fl uid leak on driveway; Overuse of yard chemicals; Litter on the street; Trash and yard wastewhennotcollectedinclosedbags;Petwaste;Trashand recyclebarrelswhennot covered;Grease, oil and detergents from car washing; Swimming pool water.

A Guide to Protecting our Rivers, Washes and Environment.

Automobile Maintenance and Washing

• Properlydisposeofusedautomobilefluids at a household hazardous waste collection point or your local automotive store.

• Use drip pans to catch leaks andspills.

• Have your vehicle inspected andmaintained on a regular basis to reduce leakage.

• Takeyourvehicletoacommercialcarwash, where wastewater is properly disposed or reused.

• Use dry clean upmethods such askitty litter or a dry rag to clean up spills. Remember to collect soiled materials in closed bags and dispose in the trash.

• Do not use a degreaser whilewashingorrinsingavehicle.Usedrycleanupmethodstoremoveexcessgrease.

Household Maintenance

• Buy household products labeled“non-toxic” or “non-hazardous” andonly theamount you will use and need.

• Alwaysstoreproductsintheiroriginalcontainersorlabelnewcontainersproperlyand keep instuctions for use available.

• Properly dispose of household hazardous chemicals at a household hazardouswaste collection event.

• Usedrycleanupmethods(suchaskittylitter,dryragorotherabsorbentmaterial)if chemicals are spilled.

• Backwashanddrainyourpooltoyoursanitarysewercleanoutorretainthewaterwithin the perimeter of your property.

• Keeptrashcansandrecyclebarrelsclosed.

Lawn and Garden

• Bagandtieyourgarbageandlawn/yardclippings.

• Sweepthedrivewayandwalkwaysafterperformingyardworkandproperlydispose of yard waste in closed bags.

• Applythecorrectdosageofpesticides,herbicidesandfertilizer.Followlabeldirections. Consider using organic alternatives.

• Neverapplychemicalsorfertilizerswhenrainorwindisintheweatherforecast.

• Pickupanimalwasteanddisposeofitinasealedplasticbag.

• Neverdisposeofpesticides,herbicidesorfertilizerintothestormdrainorsanitarysewer.Bringunusedproductstoahouseholdhazardouswasteevent.

How many potential stormwater pollution sources can you find?

(See back for anSwerS)