The storm drain system explained- Keep them clean to prevent floods

Did you know, that anything that goes down a storm drain goes right into local creeks, the bay, and even the ocean? Pollution comes in all forms and preventing it from storm drains helps our surrounding waters stay clean.

“A lot of our cities are built environments with a lot of cement and the water doesn’t absorb into the ground anymore and so the water has to have somewhere to go, but we really need to be aware of that,” said Morguine Sefcik, the Environmental Programs Manager. “[The] system has no filter or a cleaning mechanism.”

The only thing that should be going down a storm drain is water from rain, snow melt, or hail. Residents should also pay attention to what they’re dropping on the ground or applying to their yards. Different car fluids, oil, and pet waste are other forms of pollution.

“That includes things like litter, just trash– our trash cans, making sure they’re fully closed so that the wildlife can’t get into them and spread things,” Sefcik said. “Another common pollutant is cigarette butts.”

Some storm drains are painted for people to notice they are there and to help keep them clean to prevent pollution.