Stormwater Management
Overview
The Service Department is in the process of expanding efforts to both educate the community and increase efforts to protect our natural resources. Did you know that the majority of water quality problems in Ohio are the result of non-point source pollution (NPS)? NPS is pollution that cannot be traced to a single source like a pipe outfall. Stormwater runoff is a major source of NPS. Contaminants within this runoff are carried by stormwater straight into our rivers.
Lawn chemicals such as pesticides, herbicides and fertilizer can not only contaminate recreational and drinking water sources, but also harm fish and other aquatic life. Motor oil and antifreeze, paints, detergents and other household chemicals can also poison our waters if we allow them to enter storm drains. Even pet waste can contribute excess nutrients and bacteria to waterways when not properly disposed of. As a citizen, there are many ways in which you can reduce your NPS contribution and become a Stormwater Steward:
Don't Litter: Every scrap of paper, cigarette butt and soda bottle you drop on the ground may ultimately find its way into a stream.
Take Your Car to a Car Wash: Unlike your driveway, car washes collect and properly dispose of dirty wash water.
Get a Tune-Up: Cars leaking oil or other fluids contribute toxic chemicals to storm water.
Dispose of Pet Waste: Fido's droppings are loaded with E. coli and other bacteria, not to mention nutrients that cause algae blooms and harm aquatic life. Collect and dispose of pet waste in refuse containers.
Dispose of Household Hazardous Waste Properly: Never dump old paint, solvents or other chemicals down the drain or into the storm sewers.
Limit Use of Lawn and Garden Chemicals and Dispose of Lawn Waste Properly: If you read the label, you'll find that many lawn and garden chemicals are extremely toxic to fish and aquatic insects, not to mention poisonous to humans! Lawn waste should never be dumped down storm drains. Yard waste can be composted, chopped with a power mower for use in landscaping, or bagged for pick-up.
Why protect stormwater? Because It's the law! The City of Grandview Heights Codified Ordinance 937.03 "Stormwater Management Prohibited Discharges" explicitly prohibits any discharge to the storm sewer system that is not composed entirely of stormwater. Illegal dumping/ discharging of prohibited substances could result in fines and may be classified as a minor misdemeanor. To report illegal dumping or other stormwater issues, contact the City Service Department at 614-488-4728.
Polluted stormwater can lead to dead fish, destruction of wildlife habitat, loss of aesthetic value, impaired recreation areas and contaminated water resources. If you have questions regarding this program or would like to report a stormwater problem, please call the Service Department at (614) 488-4728.