What can I do?

The Stormwater Question

What can you do to reduce pollution and prevent Stormwater problems?

We can do more than we realize!

The average citizen can help reduce Stormwater pollution in many different ways. Some of the ways are simple while others are complex. Much of the prevention is retraining ourselves to think about the effects of what we are doing and how it relates to Stormwater. Below is a list of practices that the average citizen can do to reduce Stormwater pollution

  • Remove household waste by recycling or disposing of waste properly. Garbage bags left outside can lead to storm-water pollution. 1. Place bags in a lidded container outdoors. This helps keep waste contained and prevents wind and critters from scattering trash on the ground where trash becomes storm-water pollution. 2. Secure your load when hauling waste to a local Whitfield County Convenience Center

  • Remember that most stormwater runoff is not treated or filtered before it flows into creeks or streams.

  • Increase native plantings in and around homes and provide more pervious areas for rain water to soak in before running off.
  • Wash cars/trucks at a commercial car wash or wash your car/truck on a grass or gravel area.
  • Place yard waste in a compost pile or drop them off at your local Whitfield County Solid Waste Convenience Center instead of dumping them into the nearest drainage ditch.
  • Clean up oil or chemical spills on driveways with an absorbent material instead of washing the oils and chemicals off the driveways.
  • Sweep up driveway debris and dispose of in the household garbage instead of washing directly into the storm drain or ditch.
  • Remember the activities on impervious or hard surfaces most directly affects what pollutants the rain washes off.
  • Have a soil test run on your lawn before adding fertilizer and lime to your lawn. Follow product directions closely to maintain a healthy lawn.
  • Do not apply pesticides or herbicides when rain is forecasted.
  • For more information on ways you can help reduce Stormwater pollution click here.