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1. What is storm water pollution?

Anything that gets in the path of a raindrop becomes storm water pollution. Another name for storm water pollution is non-point source pollution.

2. How is storm water pollution a problem?

Every time it rains, storm water is carried directly to our surface waters. That means that means storm water pollution can have detrimental effects to creeks, lakes, ponds, rivers and the oceans into which drains.

3. What types of pollutants are in storm water pollution?

Storm water can carry sediment, trash, automotive fluids like used oil and antifreeze, grass clippings, leaves, yard waste, excess fertilizers, animal waste, pesticides and anything else that gets in the way.

4. What can citizens do to prevent storm water pollution?

Household Hazardous Waste

• Never dump anything down a storm drain. All storm drains flow directly to creeks and labels.
• Take used oil, paint and other household hazardous waste to recycling centers
• Check your car for oil or other leaks.

Yard Waste

• Sweep up yard debris instead of washing it away.
• Use a compost bin to turn yard waste into a useful gardening product.

Animal Waste

• Pick up after your pets. 
• Dispose of animal waste properly in a trash receptacle or flush it down the toilet.

Lawn Care

• Apply fertilizers and pesticides exactly where you want them. Avoid over spraying them into sidewalks, driveways or streets.
• Reduce the amount of fertilizers you need to apply by testing the soil in your yard first.

Reducing Runoff

• Adjunct sprinklers so that you're not watering the street or sidewalk.
• Take your car to a car wash instead of washing it in your driveway.

Planting

• Replant bare areas to avoid soil erosion.
• Keep invasive plants from growing in your yard. Remove them before they have a chance to grow and spread.
• Avoid planting exotic plants. Select only plants that are native to this area.

Volunteer

• Report spills, dumping or suspected water pollution to the Village.
• Clear clogged storm drains. Blocked drains cause drainage problems.
• Participate in community wide clean up days and other events.
• Alert neighbors to the storm water pollution problem.