Conserving the Environment: Five Easy Ways to Prevent Stormwater Pollution

Author: monicabarnes | Posted: 25.06.2012

With environmental crisis getting worse every minute, it’s advisable to take every precaution you can think of to prevent the world’s total annihilation from happening. One of the simplest yet most effective things you can do is observe proper management of stormwater. As you know, stormwater, once polluted, can do so much damage to existing water systems such as lakes, creeks, seas, and oceans. Here’s how you can help:

Regularly Maintain Your Vehicle

Aside from maintaining your humble abode, you should also maintain your vehicle – see if there are fluid leaks you should fix. As you know, oils and other hazardous chemicals coming from cars, once drained into the stormwater system, can cause pollution to existing water ways. Also, it’s advisable to have your car washed at a shop since the staffs are likely to use recycled water to clean it.

Consider Green Roofing

Ditch downspouts as they can contribute to stormwater pollution due to runoffs accumulated at the roof. Utilize green roofing instead. You can plant varieties of vegetation, shrubberies, and your favorite potted flowers on top of your roof to help absorb water. While you’re at it, install a rain barrel to keep runoffs away from your gutters.

Use Garden Chemicals Sparingly

Whenever you utilize garden chemicals, they find their way to a stream or lake. Say for example you sprayed a good amount of chemical on your lawn grass and it rained suddenly, instead of the grass absorbing the chemical fully, some can flow to stormwater drainage systems. Use an organic alternative instead, or better yet, don’t use anything at all if you really want to protect the environment, as part of your stormwater BMP or best management practices.

Consider Low Maintenance Plants

Although everyone loves plants, they’re hard to maintain, as you’ll be using lots of water and chemicals to keep them growing and living – which can ultimately contribute to stormwater pollution in the long run. An effective stormwater BMP is opting for plants that won’t cost you much for upkeep – those that often have a large root system that lessens your chance of using chemicals or water, since they can grow fine on their own, provided they are planted on rich soil.

Thoroughly Clean Pet Waste

Some people think that they can throw their pet’s feces anywhere, not knowing the implications it can cause to the environment once it washes to existing local waterways. If you have a pet, you should make it a habit of flushing down its waste in the toilet, or better yet, throw it in the compost as part of overall stormwater solutions to avoid pollution. For more information, visit clemson.edu/public/carolinaclear/what_you_can_do/.



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