Volunteers are placing storm drain markers with a “No
Dumping - Drains to River” message next to storm drains that go to our local
rivers and lakes.
Did you know the sewer system and the stormwater system are not the same?
These two systems are completely different. The water that goes down a sink or
toilet in your home or business flows to a wastewater treatment plant where it
is treated and filtered. Water that flows down driveways and streets, into a gutter, goes into a storm drain
which flows directly to a creek, lake, or river. This water may pick up
pollutants along the way which are never treated.
But why?
Clean water is necessary for drinking, recreation, agriculture and wildlife.
Where does pollution come from anyway?
Pollutants carried in runoff from yards, streets, parking
lots, and commercial sites degrade water quality. Thornton’s storm drains flow
directly to the South Platte River. By reducing the pollutants that enter our storm drains, we can minimize
the risk to our water quality.
Did you know there are many types of pollutants which enter storm drains?
Some common contaminants include motor oil, pesticides, brake dust, pet wastes,
paint, and household chemicals.
Where do the stormdrains go?
Pollutants carried in runoff from yards, streets, parking lots, and commercial sites degrade water quality. Thornton’s stormdrains flow to the South Platte River. By reducing the pollutants that enter our storm drains, we can minimize
the risk to our water quality.
Did
you know the effects of the storm drain pollutants on our water can be
harmful?
These pollutants can have harmful effects on drinking water supplies, recreational use, and wildlife. Some very popular beaches at lakes have even been closed because of contaminated stormwater.
What can I do to help?
ü
Limit the use of fertilizers
ü
Avoid chemical pesticides
ü
Recycle used motor oil and
car batteries
ü
Pick up pet wastes
ü
Wash your car on the lawn
For more information on
proper disposal practices or for more information on stormwater quality call
the City of
Thornton
at (720) 977-6200.
To volunteer to place stormdrain markers call 303-538-7566
or e-mail Linda.Lowe@cityofthornton.net.
Remember…
WE ALL LIVE DOWNSTREAM!
Streets