STORMWATER RUNOFF POLLUTION IS EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY

What is runoff pollution?

As stormwater flows over hard surfaces such as driveways, rooftops, sidewalks, parking lots and roads, it picks up trash, chemicals, dirt and bacteria from pet waste and anything else left on the ground and dumps it into a storm drain. The water that flows through a storm drain doesn’t get treated, but rather it empties directly into the nearest creek, river or stream.  So any thing that gets dumped into the storm drain is subsequently dumped into a nearby waterway.

Where does stormwater pollution come from?

This type of pollution cannot be connected to a single source. It is referred to as "non-point source pollution" because it is generated from various activities that many people do every day. For example, over fertilizing your yard, spilling household hazardous wastes on sidewalks or driveways, leaking oil from a car, and leaving pet waste on the road all contribute to this form of pollution.

Is stormwater a pollution a problem in Lexington County?

Yes. Polluted runoff is currently our nation’s greatest threat to clean water. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, stormwater pollution is the leading cause of water pollution in the United States. In Lexington County, 40% of our watersheds are polluted due to stormwater runoff  including Twelve Mile, Kinley, and Congaree Creeks.

How can I prevent runoff pollution?

We all contribute to runoff pollution, and everyone can play a role in reducing it by practicing a few healthy household habits.  Some examples include:

• Washing vehicles on a grassy surface away from pavement or at a commercial car wash where the soap, dirt, grease, and other pollutants go to the sewer system and are treated instead of washing the car in a driveway where the dirty water goes into the storm drain
• Fixing fluid leaks in vehicles
• Limiting pesticide use in gardens and sweeping fertilizer or grass clippings off the pavement and into the trash in order to keep them from washing  into the storm drain
• Picking up pet waste when walking your dog then bagging it and discarding it in the trash

These habits can rub off on neighbors and help to establish a “new normal." Always remember the saying: Nothing but rain should enter a storm drain!

Where can I learn more?

Environmental Protection Agency Polluted Runoff Page: http://water.epa.gov/polwaste/nps/

Non-Point Source Kid’s Page: http://water.epa.gov/polwaste/nps/kids/index.cfm

SC Department of Health & Environmental Control Watershed Page: SC Dept. of Health & Environmental Control Watershed Page