Dr. Karen Bell
Keep Liberty Beautiful
Stormwater Pollution Prevention: Protecting Our Waterways One Drop at a Time!
During World Ocean Month, Keep Liberty Beautiful aims to raise awareness in our community about stormwater pollution and its causes. It is an environmental issue facing urban and suburban communities today.
As rainwater flows over streets, rooftops, and lawns, it collects and carries with it a variety of pollutants that eventually enter our local rivers, lakes, and oceans without any treatment. This pollution not only affects the health of our water bodies but also the fish and other wildlife that call them home.
Preventing stormwater pollution is not just crucial, but a matter of immediate concern for preserving water quality, protecting ecosystems, and maintaining public health.
Stormwater is the runoff that occurs when rain or snowmelt flows over impervious surfaces, such as roads, driveways, sidewalks, and roofs.
Unlike wastewater from homes and businesses, stormwater is typically not treated before it enters natural water bodies. This runoff can pick up pollutants such as oil, grease, pesticides, fertilizers, heavy metals, pet waste, and litter.
The sheer volume of runoff generated in developed areas can overwhelm stormwater systems, leading to localized flooding and erosion.
More critically, the pollutants in stormwater degrade water quality and harm aquatic life. Nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizers can cause algal blooms, deplete oxygen in the water, and create “dead zones” where marine life cannot survive. Sediment from construction sites can smother fish habitats and clog waterways, harming aquatic life.
Even everyday items, such as plastic bags and cigarette butts, can pose serious threats to wildlife and ecosystems.
Understanding the sources of stormwater pollution is essential to preventing it. Some of the most common contributors include:
• Residential activities: Overuse of lawn fertilizers and pesticides, improper disposal of household chemicals, and pet waste left on the ground.
• Automobile-related runoff: Leaks from vehicles, washing cars on driveways, and tire debris can all contaminate runoff.
• Construction sites: Exposed soil, debris, and chemicals from construction areas can easily be washed into storm drains.
• Industrial and commercial operations: Poor handling of materials, leaks, and spills can lead to stormwater contamination.
• Illicit discharges: This includes any unauthorized dumping of wastewater into stormwater systems, such as from washing machines, restaurant grease traps, or septic overflows.
Preventing stormwater pollution doesn’t require complex infrastructure changes or large budgets. It’s about the small changes in behavior by individuals and businesses that can make a significant difference. Each of us has the power to protect our waterways. Here are several practical steps that communities and residents can take:
• Use fertilizers and pesticides sparingly. Only apply what is needed and avoid doing so before heavy rains.
• Clean up after pets. Always dispose of pet waste in the trash or toilet — it contains bacteria that can pollute water.
• Fix vehicle leaks. Oil and antifreeze that drip onto driveways quickly find their way into storm drains.
• Dispose of chemicals properly. Never pour paint, motor oil, or cleaners down a storm drain. Take them to a household hazardous waste facility.
• Install rain barrels or cisterns. These collect rainwater for use in gardens and reduce the volume of runoff.
• Create rain gardens. Planting native vegetation in low-lying areas can naturally filter and absorb stormwater.
• Sweep driveways instead of hosing them off. This reduces the number of pollutants washed into the street.
• Maintain septic systems. Regular inspections and pumping prevent leaks that can contaminate water supplies.
While individual action is critical, coordinated efforts by local governments and organizations amplify the impact. Municipalities can implement best management practices (BMPs), such as:
• Constructing bioswales, wetlands, and green roofs that naturally filter runoff.
• Updating stormwater infrastructure to separate storm drains from sewage systems.
• Implementing zoning regulations that reduce impervious surface area and promote green spaces.
• Educating residents and businesses on pollution prevention strategies.
• Enforcing construction site runoff controls and industrial stormwater permits.
Many local governments also provide incentives or rebates for residents who install green infrastructure or adopt water-friendly landscaping practices. Public outreach campaigns and school programs can further raise awareness and build a culture of environmental responsibility.
Stormwater pollution prevention is a vital component of broader environmental protection efforts. Clean water is essential for drinking, recreation, agriculture, and supporting wildlife. As climate change leads to more frequent and intense rainfall events, effective stormwater management becomes increasingly important in protecting infrastructure and communities from flooding and water contamination.
By taking proactive measures, both individually and collectively, we can significantly reduce stormwater pollution, preserve the health of our waterways, and ensure cleaner, safer environments for future generations.
Whether it’s picking up litter, planting a garden, or supporting green infrastructure initiatives, every action matters and contributes to the solution.
For more information on stormwater pollution, contact Keep Liberty Beautiful at (912) 8804888 or klcb@libertycountyga. gov. Also, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook (@keeplibertybeautiful) or visit our website: keeplibertybeautiful.org.