Storm Sewer System, Water Pollution, & the Public

The Storm Sewer System, Water Pollution, & the Public

Lorain's storm sewer system is a system of natural and man made structures that serves to drain water from our community. The system includes roadside catch basins, underground pipes, open ditches, detention ponds, streams, creeks, and rivers. The storm sewer system in our community is separate from the wastewater system meaning that while water draining into the wastewater system travels to one of the City's two wastewater treatment plants for cleaning, water that enters out storm sewer system drains to our streams, rivers, and Lake Erie with no treatment.

The City of Lorain maintains a Storm Sewer System Map identifying all outfalls in our community. This map also shows septic systems and identifies detention basins and engineered facilities that help our community and private businesses manage the quality and quantity of water entering the system.

MS4_BMPs_Map

Pollution

Once you understand how the storm sewer system works, it's easier to understand how pollution in our community can degrade water quality. Pollution entering our storm sewer system is called stormwater pollution and is often generated by our everyday activities. Some sources of stormwater pollution include:

  • Animal waste
  • Anti-freeze
  • Boat / camper sewage
  • Cooking grease
  • Fuel
  • Garbage
  • Household cleaners and chemicals
  • Litter
  • Oil from our vehicles
  • Paints
  • Roadway accident spills
  • Yard debris including grass clippings

Disposal Tips

Improper disposal of theses wastes can harm fish and native vegetation, contribute to algal blooms, and make recreational areas unsafe for swimming. Storm water pollution can also make drinking water treatment more difficult and more expensive. But there's good news: storm water pollution is easily controlled! So what can you do to prevent storm water pollution? Here are a few tips:

  • Use pesticide and fertilizer per manufacturer’s directions.
  • Repair auto leaks.
  • Clean up after your pet. Yes, Fido's poop contains bacteria and virus' that can contaminate our water!
  • Sweep up yard debris rather than hosing it down. Do not dump it into a nearby creek or river!
  • Properly dispose of excess paint through a household hazardous waste collection program.
  • Wash your car on the grass to allow detergent and dirt to be absorbed and filtered by the soil. Don’t forget the phosphorus free soap!

After the Storm

So now that we know what stormwater pollution is, how about we take a look at a video that talks about some of the ways it enters our water supply. The Environmental Protection Agency's video, After the Storm, highlights three case studies - Santa Monica Bay, the Mississippi River Basin / Gulf of Mexico, and New York City- where polluted runoff threatens watersheds highly valued for recreation, commercial fisheries and navigation, and drinking water. Key scientists, water quality experts, and citizens involved in local and national watershed protection efforts provide insight into the problems as well as solutions to today's water quality crisis. 

In addition to illustrating the environmental implications of weather events, the special provides useful tips on how people can help make a difference. After the Storm explains simple things people can do to protect their local watershed-such as picking up after one's dog and recycling household hazardous wastes. It also shows how some communities and private companies are getting involved through low impact development - utilizing rain gardens and green roofs to minimize stormwater runoff. Check out the video.

A Fish's Wish

Originally produced by a grant from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, "A Fish's Wish (PDF)" is a fun and interactive activity book that teaches kids about stormwater pollution, polluted runoff, and how to limit water pollution. This workbook can be printed and distributed.