When It Rains, It Drains

Stormwater flows across the ground and pavement when it rains or when snow and ice melt. The water seeps into the ground or drains into storm sewers. Storm sewers are what you see at street corners or at low points on the sides of the streets. Collectively, the draining water is called stormwater runoff.

Stormwater Pollutants

Stormwater becomes a problem when it picks up debris, chemicals, dirt or other pollutants as it flows or when it causes flooding and erosion of stream banks. Stormwater eventually flows into a stream, river or wetland. All of the pollutants storm water carries along the way empty into these waters because stormwater does not get treated.

• Pet waste left on the ground can get carried away by stormwater contributing harmful bacteria into our water.
• Vehicles that drip fluid (oil, antifreeze, gasoline) onto paved areas where stormwater drains is also carried into our water.
• Chemicals used to grow and maintain lawns can run off into the storm drain when it rains or when we water our lawns.
• Waste from chemicals used in construction can wash into the storm drain system.

Storm Runoff Issues

Problems related to storm water runoff can include:

• Flooding caused by too much stormwater flowing over paved surfaces.
• Increased spending to maintain storm drains and storm sewer systems that are clogged with excessive amounts of debris and dirt.

Prevent Stormwater Pollution

The following are some important ways you can help prevent stormwater pollution:

• Properly dispose of hazardous substances such as used oil, cleaning supplies and paint. Never pour them down any part of the storm sewer system.
• Use pesticides, fertilizers and herbicides properly and efficiently to prevent excess runoff.
• Look for signs of soil and other pollutants, such as debris and chemicals leaving construction sites or tracked onto roadways by construction vehicles. Please report poorly managed construction sites to the Township Engineer at 412-486-9700 ext. 230.
• Install innovative stormwater practices on residential property such as rain barrels or rain gardens that capture stormwater and keep it on site instead of letting it drain away into the storm sewer system.
• Report any discharges from stormwater outfalls during dry weather, a sign that there could be a problem with the storm sewer system.
• Pick up after pets and dispose of their waste properly.
• Store materials that could pollute stormwater indoors and use containers for outdoor storage that do not rust or leak to eliminate exposure of materials to stormwater.