Storm Drain System
A storm drain system is a network of constructed inlets, underground pipes, drainage channels, detention ponds, and other structures that carry or temporarily hold stormwater to be discharged into streams and waterways. Historically, a storm drain system’s main role was flood control. Today, with the advent of the NPDES Phase II mandates, the focus has become water quality and pollution prevention.
What YOU can do to prevent storm water pollution!
Storm water drains are separate from our sanitary sewer systems. Unlike water in sanitary sewers (from sinks or toilets), water in the storm drains is not generally treated before it goes into the Colorado River.
Anything used outside of homes, vehicles and businesses -- like motor oil, paint, pesticides, fertilizers and cleaners -- could be washed or blown into storm drains.
Keep pollutants out of storm drains. Sources of storm water pollution are:
- Litter and trash, lawn clippings, animal waste and other organic matter;
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- Soil erosion and debris from landscape and construction activities;
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- Improper disposal of cleaners, paint and paint removers, used oil and other engine fluids;
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- Pesticides and fertilizers from lawns, gardens and farms;
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- Automotive leaks and spills.
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It is illegal to discharge anything other than stormwater--rain and snowmelt-- into the storm drainage system (streets, gutters, inlets, drainage ways).
Dumping one quart of motor oil into a storm drain can contaminate 250,000 gallons of water!
DON'T ALLOW POLLUTANTS TO ENTER THE STREET, GUTTER OR STORM DRAIN.
Call the Stormwater Hotline at 263-8201 if you see someone polluting the storm drain.
ONLY STORM WATER DOWN THE STORM DRAIN!
For further information, please go to:
http://www.gjcity.org/CityDeptWebPages/PublicWorksAndUtilities/StormWater/
StormWater.htm |
