As the leaves begin to fall and the rains come, it is important to be aware of steps you can take as a business or homeowner to minimize chemicals traveling with stormwater and into our water delivery system.
How does stormwater become polluted?
As rain falls it may soak into the ground, land on a tree, a river, a roof, or travel across a driveway or pavement. Any water that does not soak directly into the ground and travels across the landscape is known as stormwater runoff.
The farther and longer this water travels, the more likely it is to pick up whatever is in its path: fertilizer, oil, pesticides, dirt, bacteria and other pollutants, all eventually reaching our bodies of water. Not only does this add costs to water treatment, but it harms plants, animals, and even people that may be using the water source for recreation.
What can I do to limit pollution?
Whether you are an individual or a commercial operation, there are many things you can do to prevent harmful stormwater runoff and increase the water that is soaked into the ground.
- Apply fertilizers and pesticides according to label instructions and how much you actually need. Check out page 5 of the Marion County Soil and Water Conversation District Fall publication for tips on fertilizer application. Plus you’ll save money!
- Properly maintain fleet vehicles to prevent oil and gas leaks.
- Keeping leaves off of and out of storm drains, culverts & ditches. Compost it!
- Plant native seeds. Fall is a great time for planting many native seeds and splitting others. Increasing your native plants not only helps soak up more rain, but can reduce urban heat islands, create habitats for animals, add to the overall value of your property, and eliminate the need for extensive landscape management.
- Control erosion by installing silt fences, vehicle mud removal areas, vegetative cover, and other sediment and erosion controls and properly maintain them, especially after rainstorms.
If you are a business in a Marion County Wellfield, we are here to help with stormwater suggestions and indoor pollution prevention needs. Get started by participating our the FREE and confidential Business Assessment Program. You’ll receive suggestions from a trained environmental professional and possibly receive free pollution prevention equipment.
Preventing stormwater pollution is easy with the right planning tools! Take time to enjoy the fall weather and while you’re at it, create a better environment for all in your neighborhood.
