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These openings direct water off streets and sidewalks and move it into channels and pipes that lead to nearby streams, ponds, and rivers. This system is designed to safely control the flow of rainwater and snowmelt- but it does not filter or treat the water. That means that whatever goes down a storm drain ends up in the natural environment- the same waterways we use for swimming, fishing, agriculture, and drinking water.
As stormwater flows across yards, down driveways, and along streets, it picks up things like litter, yard debris, pet waste, motor oil, and other pollutants that can flow into storm drains.
Larger materials, like trash, can clog the drains and cause flooding. Smaller pollutants get carried into our creeks and rivers, harming wildlife and decreasing the health of aquatic ecosystems. That affects local water quality and moves downstream to harm the Chesapeake Bay.
Some people use storm drains for disposal. They may pour wastewater from washing their car or sweep leftover sidewalk deicer down into storm drains. They might think these materials will get filtered out at a treatment plant, but they don’t.
Understanding that storm drains directly lead to streams, ponds, and rivers is a great place to start improving how we take care of our environment!
These are decorative metal discs imprinted with the message, “No Dumping, Drains to Creek.” By marking an inlet to a stormwater system with a tag, we hope to raise awareness about waterway pollution and remind our community of the direct connection between our storm drains and our local waterways.
Storm drain marking is a great opportunity for volunteer groups and local organizations to get involved in protecting the environment AND educating the community!
You can sign up to bring this message to your neighborhood or another assigned location and help keep our waterways clean and healthy.