Residents: Stormwater
All of the storm drains in the Metro Wastewater Reclamation District’s Service Area drain directly to local creeks and the South Platte River. Discharges to storm drains are not treated. The storm drain system is a major source of pollution in the South Platte River. Pollutants enter our environment when they are poured directly into storm drains or rinsed into the storm drain system by rainfall or wash water discharges.
Even simple household activities such as leaving pet waste on the ground can have a negative impact on water quality. Some of the biggest ways the quality of our waterways can also be affected is from automobiles and other motorized vehicles, garden maintenance, and construction sites.
Automobiles and Other Motorized Vehicles
Oil and other fluids from leaking cars and trucks, and metals deposited on the streets from brake pads, tires, and vehicle exhaust flow directly to creeks and the South Platte River after a rainstorm.
Car washing soaps and grease removers contain chemicals harmful to fish. Dirty, soapy water is on its way to the nearest creek when you wash your car on the street--or in a driveway that slopes to the gutter. Even biodegradable soap is initially harmful to creek life!
Garden Maintenance
Pesticides capable of killing aquatic species can be rinsed to creeks by garden watering and rainfall. Even pet waste and leaves raked into the street can cause problems when they reach our waterways. Visit our Pesticide and Gardening Page.
Construction Sites
Construction activities and planning and design elements for new construction can harm or help. Contact Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/cdphehom.asp for information on Water Quality Control Permitting.
For more information visit the Colorado Water Protection Project’s Web site, www.ourwater.org.
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