What contributes to storm water pollution?

Anything that is thrown into a storm drain or that is left on the street and is picked up by storm water contributes to storm water pollution. More specifically, pollutants include car oil, pesticides, fertilizers, animal droppings, trash, food wastes, automotive by-products and other toxic substances. Industrial and commercial activities with uncovered outdoor storage or process areas, loading docks and equipment maintenance and washing areas may also contribute pollutants to urban runoff.

How serious is the problem of storm water quality?

Very serious. The contaminated storm water can affect vegetation, wildlife, commercial fisheries and restrict swimming areas. For example, Health: Storm water pollution poses a serious health risk to people swimming or fishing in our local bayous, rivers, lakes, etc. Environment: Countless marine plants and animals living in our local waterways may become sick or die from contact with storm water pollution. Neighborhoods: Clogged storm drains significantly decrease the quality of life in many neighborhoods throughout the City and County. These "nests" of trash and debris can attract rats and cockroaches and create foul odors - affecting neighborhood aesthetics and property values, and create the potential for local flooding during heavy rain events.

What can you put down the storm drain?

Local ordinances and regulations prohibit anything other than uncontaminated rainwater from entering the storm drain system.

What about yard trimmings and soil? They can't harm storm water can they?

Even though yard trimmings and soil are natural debris, when put in the storm drain they flow to our bayous, rivers and Galveston Bay where they can ruin the natural balance of the ocean and harm fish.

What can I do to help?

There are a lot of easy ways to help keep our water clean, such as:

• Pick up after your pets and properly dispose of their waste in the trash.
  
• Never pour pesticides, household paints, chemicals and motor oil on the ground or down a storm drain.
  
• Take household toxic products to hazardous waste facilities.
  
• Don't over water or over fertilize your lawn. Use natural products when possible.
  
• Wash your vehicle on your lawn instead of your driveway or street. Don't worry it won't hurt your lawn!
  
• Visit our website at www.CleanWaterways.org to see what community projects you can get involved with to help with this issue.

What do I do if I see someone dumping into a storm drain?

Call 3-1-1, the Anonymous City of Houston Neighborhood Protection Complaint line. Or call the City of Houston Environmental Health Info. Line and Industrial Discharges at 713-640-4399
Or call Harris County Public Health and Environmental Services at 713-920-2831

You cannot put yard waste down the storm drain.
Don't be like this person!

DO NOT PUT ANYTHING DOWN THE STORM DRAIN!