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Storm Sewers are for Rain
Posted on Mon May 5 2008
 Storm sewers, like the one pictured here, become all too often the reluctant recipients of society's waste. The out of sight, out of mind phenomenon seems to encourage people all over the world to treat these drainage systems like toxic waste disposals but they aren't. In fact, in most cases, municipal storm drains lead directly to nearby creeks, lakes, and rivers. As a result, governments and community organizations across the planet have begun to take preventative action against would-be dumpers. In some cases, images like fish (pictured) or water faucets are stenciled onto the pavement nearby; in other places, fish silhouettes or even words, like No Dumping Drains to Creek are incorporated into the design of the metal storm drains. The message is simple: don't do it. Ever. The misconception is often that storm sewers and waste sewers are one and the same, but that's not the case. Storm sewers are designed to carry rain from city streets to nearby water systems. Storm sewers are for rain, and rain only. Dumping anything else down the storm drain just outside your home or business could cause serious environmental damage, and may even come with a heavy fine, depending on where you live. The toxins frequently turning up in urban waterways include gas and other fuels, oil, grease, paints, solvents, sewage, pesticides, and solid waste like plastics, paper, and cigarette butts. Don't do it. Even soapy water, if you've been washing your car, for example, is bad for the ecosystem at the end of the storm sewer system. Dispose of your waste properly. Comments? Questions? Feedback? Got an idea for a Daily Green Tip? Tip the tipper. CommentsLet us know what you think! |
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[...] know what our soaps and detergents do to aquatic ecosystems (see, for example, the Green Tip on Storm Sewers ). Keep your soap and shampoo out of the lake. Even natural soaps, like the commendable Campsuds, [...]
I like the idea of the images beside the drains, Jeremy. If seeing that right before you dump something dangerous down it does not at least make someone hesitate, what would? It never ceases to amaze me how thoughtless people can be for the sake of even a few minutes convenience instead of just doing the right thing. Thanks for an interesting article.