Stormwater quality is important because it affects everyone. Before stormwater gets to a pond, it touches rooftops, streets, parking lots, driveways, etc. picking up a lot of pollution along the way and it is not cleaned or treated as waste water. But there is good news! You can help!

The first thing residents can do to help is PROTECT.

First, chemicals in your lawn cause a lot of pollution so use those sparingly. Second, something that most people don’t think of is pet waste. If you pick up your pet waste, fewer bacteria will be consumed in the stormwater runoff.

Third, when washing your car, use a car wash or wash it in your lawn so soapy water can’t make it to the street. Fourth is Recycling! Fifth, if you use paint, clean it out in your sick instead of your yard. Sixth and lastly, Fix the oil and antifreeze leaking from your car.

The second thing you can do is DON’T POLLUTE.

First, do not litter. Litter will pollute stormwater among many other things. Second, grass clippings and leaves need to be disposed of and not swept into the street. Third, a storm drain is not the place for household waste or oil. And the Fourth, do not wash off your driveway into the street.

The third thing you can do is BE AWARE and TAKE RESPONSIBILITY.

If you need to use fertilizer (who doesn’t?), then use just enough. Also, use it when the weather doesn’t call for rain, so the excess doesn’t pull into the runoff. Finally, think about how many people own dogs. Now picture how much waste is built up.

If it’s left on the grass, it has to end up somewhere. Somewhere meaning down the catch basin, in the storm sewer, and right into the good ole Mississippi. Click here for more on what residents can do.

With all that being said, as a community in Charlotte NC, let’s make a few minor adjustments to help keep our stormwater quality at it’s best.

Now serving Greenville SC, Spartanburg SC, Asheville NC, Charlotte NC, Winston-Salem NC, & Greensboro NC areas.

Get started. Become a member today!