Stormwater runoff is precipitation from rain or snowmelt that flows over ground. As it flows, it can pick up debris, chemicals, dirt, and other pollutants and deposit them into a storm sewer system or waterbody. Anything that enters a storm sewer system is discharged into the waterbodies we use for swimming, fishing, and other recreational activities.
What is a Storm Drain?
A storm drain is a network of underground pipes designed to control flooding by transporting stormwater from urban areas to a waterbody. A storm drain may also be known as a curb, gutter, channel, ditch, pipe, or culvert.
Only Rain Down the Drain
To keep the stormwater leaving your home clean, follow these guidelines:
Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly
Repair auto leaks
Dispose of household hazardous waste, used auto fluids (antifreeze, oil, etc.), batteries, and oil based paint at designated collection or recycling locations
Clean up after your pet
Use a commercial car wash or wash you car on a lawn or other pervious surface
Sweep up yard debris rather than hosing down areas. Compost or recycle yard waste when possible
Clean water based paint brushes in a sink, not outdoors. Properly dispose of excess paints through a household hazardous waste collection program
Sweep up and properly dispose of construction debris like conrete and mortar
Storm Drain Marking
Storm drain markers are placed on storm drain inlet filters to remind us that rainfall runoff can wash soil, yard waste, fertilizer, motor oil, and other pollutants into our waterways.
1. Clean Surface: Make sure application surface is flat, dry and free of any loose debris.
2. Apply Adhesive: Coming in 1/8" from the outside edge of the marker, apply a bead of adhesive and then work into the center.
3. Stick It! Apply the marker to the application surface pushing down HARD forcing adhesive out around the entire edge. It is important that the entire edge of the marker is sealed to the application surface
WHY SHOULD WE MARK STORM DRAINS?
Storm drain marking informs others about the street-to-river connection. Many people may not realize that water flowing into storm drains is not cleaned before if empties into a river, stream, or lake. Polluted runoff can harm Indiana's waterways where we fish, swim, and obtain our drinking water. Storm drain marking can be an effective service learning or civic learning project for schools, scout groups, homeowner associations, 4-H clubs, or any organization wanting to make a positive impact on their community.
