Stormwater FAQ's

What are common sources of stormwater pollution?
Oil, antifreeze, detergents, pesticides and other toxic chemicals and metals such as lead, silver and copper, can get washed from driveways, backyards, parking lots and streets into storm drains during a rain or as the snow melts.  Below is a list of common sources of pollution and everyday pollutants occurring at our homes, business and construction sites:

What types of pollutants are found in our homes?

• The #1 surface water quality problem nationwide involves fluids from vehicles such as oil, gas and antifreeze. 

• Hosing off pavement surfaces wash pollutants into storm drains, which lead straight to our rivers.  When possible, sweep up the driveway instead.

• Locate a hazardous waste drop off facility for old paint, pesticides, solvents and batters.  Street litter such as styrofoam, plastic and paper blows into our inlets.  Keep trash bins covered and do not litter.

• Pet waste left on the ground gets carried away by storm water, contributing harmful bacteria, parasites and viruses to our river.  Clean up after your pet.

What types of pollutants are found in businesses?
At industrial sites, we need to be concerned about chemical spills that contain toxic substances, smoke stacks that spew emissions and uncovered or unprotected outdoor storage or waste areas that can contribute pollutants to storm water runoff.  Best management practices include:

• Wash vehicles or equipment in wash bays hooked up to the sanitary sewer.  Don't wash off detergents, oils and greases into streets or storm rains.

• Divert rainfall runoff from fueling islands by building a canopy or cover over them.

• Waste and processed water of any type must be discharged to the sanitary sewer.

• Hosing off pavements wash pollutants into storm drains that lead straight to the river.

What can be done to avoid storm water pollution?

• Don't litter

• Don't dump anything except water into a storm drain

• Take all unwanted paint, chemicals, cleaners, fuels, pesticides and hazardous waste to the appropriate Household Hazardous Waste Facility

• Never pour household products such as cleansers, beauty products, used motor oil and other auto fluids, paint, lawn care or household chemicals on the ground or in a storm drain

• Do not pour any of the products listed above down the sink or flush them down the toilet.

• Use non-toxic alternatives to home cleaning chemicals

• Do not buy more household cleaner or other chemicals than you need for a particular job

• Read and follow directions on the use of household chemicals and disposal of containers

• Sweep driveways and patios clean instead of hosing them down

• Check for leaky faucets and turn off the water when brushing teeth to conserve water

• Buy products with less packaging whenever possible

• Clean up after your pet before it rains

• Adequately contain curbside trash so it doesn't leak, fall over or blow around

• Preserve established trees in the yard and neighborhood

• Don't overuse fertilizers and pesticides if you choose to use them

• Plant trees, shrubs and ground covers that filter pollutants and reduce stormwater runoff

• Do not cut the grass too short; adjust the lawnmower to the proper height to reduce runoff from laws

• Plant native vegetation and or plants that require little or no fertilizer

• Do not overwater plants and lawn.  Make sure water doesn't wash over streets and sidewalks

• Recycle yard debris, or use it to make compost, instead of raking it into streets where it can wash into storm sewers

• Repair vehicle or equipment leaks

• Recycle used motor oil

• When washing the car, park it on the grass instead of in the driveway or go use a covered carwash station

Report suspected stormwater pollution:

Stormwater Hotline
Phone - 620-252-6150
e-mail - stormwater@coffeyville.com

information@coffeyville.com