BE PART OF THE SOLUTION TO STORMWATER POLLUTION
WHAT IS THE PROBLEM? The next time it rains, look
at a street gutter or roadside ditch. The rain, rather than seeping into the
soil, flows quickly off roads and roofs. It picks up detergents, oil,
grease, heavy metals, and trash from roads, sediment from construction sites
and pesticides and fertilizers from lawns. It rushes through storm drains
and, when discharged to the local waterways, erodes the natural eco-system.
Contrary to popular belief, most storm drains are not connected to treatment
systems. Whatever enters the drain is discharged directly, untreated into
local waterways. What started as a friendly rain, is now a serious polluter.
Stormwater pollution is also known as "nonpoint source
pollution," as it comes from many locations that, while each may be very
small, cumulatively have a large impact. Stormwater pollution can make
monitoring and treatment of our drinking water more difficult and costly. In
addition, it can hinder the health of the aquatic ecosystem and eventually
result in the loss of our waterways for recreational purposes.
HOW CAN YOU HELP? Businesses, residents and
visitors can promote the protection of water quality by taking action to
reduce those activities that lead to non-point source water pollution. You
can help by using the following tips below to prevent pollution. More
information is available by contacting the San Juan County Public Works
Department or the Town of Friday Harbor.
Additionally, the Town is in the process of marking storm
drain inlets in private parking areas with decals and distributing
informational handouts to businesses.
TOP TEN THINGS YOU CAN DO TO BE A "SOLUTION TO STORMWATER
POLLUTION"
