Stormwater Information

Stormwater is rain and snow melt that runs off surfaces such as rooftops, paved streets, highways, and parking lots. As water runs off these surfaces, it can pick up pollution such as: oil, fertilizers, pesticides, soil, trash, and animal waste. From here, the water might flow directly into a local stream or lake. Or, it may go into a storm drain and continue through storm pipes until it is released untreated into a local waterway.

Because of the volume of runoff discharges, mass loads of pollutants in stormwater can be significant.

Human Health: In general, untreated stormwater is unsafe. It can contain toxic metals, organic compounds, bacteria, and viruses. Untreated stormwater is not safe for people to drink and is not recommended for swimming. Polluted stormwater can lead to beach closures for swimming and shellfish harvesting. It can also trigger toxic algal blooms.

Drinking Water: Untreated stormwater discharging to the ground could contaminate aquifers that are used for drinking water.

Degraded Water Quality: Virtually all of our creeks, streams, and rivers are harmed by stormwater pollution. Stormwater is the leading contributor to water quality pollution.

Impaired Habitat: Stormwater harms and pollutes streams that provide habitat for fish and wildlife. Alterations to the watershed, such as building homes and other structures and clearing away trees and shrubs, are the leading causes for stormwater pollution.

What can you do to help reduce stormwater pollution?

In The Garden

Conserve water. Do not over water your lawn. Adjust sprinklers if water runs into the gutter. Water during cooler times of the day.

Identify pests before spraying pesticides. Ask a specialist at your garden center for advice on how to treat for that specific pest. Use integrated pest management (IPM) methods to minimize chemical use in your garden. Many IPM methods do not even require the use of chemical pesticides.

Reduce the amount of grass by planting ground cover. This reduces the need for fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides.

Use natural pesticides such as milky spore and nematodes wherever possible. If you must use chemical pesticides, use them sparingly and in targeted areas.

Have your lawn tested at the county Rutgers Cooperative Research and Extension office to determine if you need to fertilize. If so, use natural and slow-release nitrogen fertilizers and make sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions. Never apply to your lawn or garden if the weather calls for rain.

Use a mulching mower instead of bagging grass clippings to reduce lawn wastes and to reduce the need for fertilizer. Do not put loose leaves or grass clippings in the street. Use them in a compost pile as a source for enriched soil. If you do need to dispose of leaves or grass clippings, contact your municipality to determine the appropriate method to dispose these wastes.

If you must use herbicides, apply them directly to the weeds rather than broadcasting if possible. A healthy lawn will reduce weed growth.

Use mulch on flower beds and gardens to prevent weeds from growing and to help absorb water.

Use drought-resistant native plants in gardens and beds. These plants require less fertilizer and less water, thereby reducing the amount of potential polluted runoff.

Vehicle & Garage Tips

Your everyday activities can affect water quality. Help reduce the amount of pollution that flows into our waterways by following the tips below.

Take your car to a service center to change oil or antifreeze. If you do change your own oil or antifreeze, do it in a garage, never on the street. Use a self-contained oil pan and discard the oil at a local service center for recycling. NEVER discard oil, gas or antifreeze into a stormwater drain. Antifreeze should be discarded at a household hazardous waste facility. Visit www.state.nj.us/dep/dshw/rrtp/hhwcps.htm for a list of local household hazardous waste facilities.

If you spill hazardous fluids, contain it immediately with rags or cat litter. Clean up the spill and properly dispose of the waste.

Check your car for leaks and schedule regular tune-ups. If you find leaks or drips, have your car repaired.

Store hazardous materials properly to prevent spills. Store them in the original closed container.

For a Green Automotive Repair Shop near you, visit http://www.njgreenautorepair.org/

In The Home

Shop for nonhazardous, biodegradable and phosphorous-free household cleaning products.

If you use water-based paints, rinse paint brushes in the sink. If you use oil-based paints, you can filter and reuse the thinner used to clean brushes. Dispose of thinner through a local household hazardous waste program. Visit www.state.nj.us/dep/dshw/rrtp/hhwcps.htm for a list of local household hazardous waste facilities.

Sweep up dirt and debris and discard on your lawn or in the trash. Hosing off pavement washes pollutants into storm drains, which may lead to local creeks, bays and the ocean.

Rather than wash your car in your driveway, on the street or in your yard, take it to a local car wash. This not only conserves water but also eliminates the running off of harmful pollutants.

Keep trash cans closed to prevent trash from scattering.

If you use hazardous substances such as paints, solvents and cleaners, use them sparingly, according to the directions. Store properly to avoid spills.

If you are working on a home improvement project, dispose of drywall and hardened concrete and mortar in the trash or visit www.nj.gov/dep/dshw/lrm/classb.htm for a list of recycling centers. Do not rinse concrete or mortar from a bucket or wheelbarrow into the street; dilute the mixture with water and rinse it into an area with vegetation or gravel.

Participate in local recycling programs. To find out more about recycling in your area, visitwww.state.nj.us/dep/dshw/recycling/index.htm.

Dispose of unwanted chemicals at a household hazardous waste collection center in your area. Never pour hazardous materials into the street, sewer or the storm drain. For more information, visit www.state.nj.us/dep/dshw/rrtp/hhwcps.htm.

Eliminate or, at least, reduce the use of soaps and shampoos when using outdoor showers that drain to the street.

Please visit http://www.cleanwaternj.org/
(NJDEP Clean Water NJ) for more tips on reducing stormwater pollution

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