Spring Into Action
When it's Spring, here's what you can do to help prevent stormwater runoff, a major pollutant of our rivers, lakes, and streams.
Plant trees, shrubs and ground cover to help rainwater soak into the ground. Keep the soil covered; bare soil is the primary cause of erosion. Mulch bare areas with straw, grass clippings, stones or wood chips.
Redirect rain gutter downspouts into landscaped areas instead of onto paved surfaces such as driveways. Rain that falls onto paved areas wash pollutants into the storm drains.
Consider growing clover in your lawn; it's hardy, stands up to wear and produces nitrogen needed by other lawn grasses.
What is Stormwater Runoff?
Stormwater is water from rain or melting snow. It flows from rooftops, over paved streets, sidewalks and parking lots, across bare soil and through lawns and storm drains. As it flows, runoff collects and transports soil, pet waste, salt, pesticides, fertilizer, oil and grease, litter and other pollutants. This water drains directly into the Miami Valley’s creeks, streams and rivers, without receiving any treatment at sewage plants.