Ten Solutions to Stormwater Pollution

Storm drains vs wastewater
  1.  Keep your butts in the Car!  Don't throw cigarette butts or any litter on the road.  These pollutants will float and end up in creeks, rivers or ponds.
  2. Mow high, mow often, and leave the clippings!  City Ordinance prohibits blowing grass clippings into the street or storm drains.  Bag grass clippings for pickup or leave grass clippings on your lawn. 
  3. Don't fertilize your creek!  Use garden fertilizers, pesticides and chemicals properly and never near drains and natural waterways.  Especially avoid using them in windy conditions or when rain is forecast.  Consider organic options and dispose of excess chemicals properly at the Home Chemical Collection Center.
  4. Practice Good Car Care:  Save Money!  Save the Environment!  A program of routine maintenance can help your car run better so you save on fuel and major repair costs.  There’s only more important benefit:  good car care prevents water and air pollution.  Fix oil and radiator leaks in your car so that these substances don’t wash into our waterways.  Never pour used oil or antifreeze in the storm sewer.  Wash your car on the lawn, not in the street or driveway where detergents and grime can go down the stormwater drains.  Consider using a commercial car wash, which recycles water and directs wastewater to the sanitary sewer.
  5. Keep your Septic System Clean!  If you have a septic system, ensure your septic tank is cleaned at least every three years and is working properly.  Have it checked regularly by an expert.
  6. Clean up after your pooch!  Take a plastic bag or pooper-scooper along on your walk and pick up your dog’s droppings.  What should you do with the pet waste that you pick up?  You may flush it down the toilet, bury it in the yard (don’t add it to your compost pile) or put it in a sealed bag in the trash.
  7. Sediment pollutes our stream beds!  Make sure sand and other building materials are kept away from stormwater drains and gutters.  If you spot a blocked drain or notice illegal dumping, call Environmental Code at (972)-216-6276 and an inspector will investigate.  Putting foreign substances into the storm drainage system is a violation of City ordinance.
  8. Pool chemicals can kill wildlife!  Pool chemicals are designed to kill organic matter in pools.  It has the same effect on organisms in local streams.  Swimming pools must be drained or backwashed into the sanitary sewer not into the storm drainage system.
  9. Dispose of household hazardous waste (oil, paint, chemicals) properly!  Don't pour used oils, paint, chemicals or other waste down a stormwater drain or gutter.  Dispose of household hazardous waste at the Home Chemical Collection Center located at 11234 Plano Road, Dallas, 75243.  For hours of operation please call 214-553-1766.
  10. Storm drains are for rain!  The storm drain lines are for storm water only, if you see the disposal of anything other than storm water go into the storm drainage system contact Environmental Code Enforcement at (972) 216-6276 or the Stormwater Specialist at (972)-329-8537.