Help Keep Pollution Out Of Storm Drains

Calling all Volunteers - Storm Drain Labeling

The SJLWT is currently organizing local groups to assist with labeling storm drains and distributing door hangers detailing steps to protect our waterways. Storm drain labeling involves marking storm drain openings with messages reminding citizens not to dump pollutants down the drains. It alerts them to the fate of runoff water and the pollution carried with it from lawns and streets.
If you are interested in participating please contact:
Christine Nolan
(856) 881-2269

Brought to you by
Gloucester County Improvement Authority
Freeholder Director
Stephen M. Sweeney, Liason

Do You Know Where Your Storm Water Goes?
A common misconception about storm sewers is that they carry water to a wastewater treatment plant. Here in Gloucester County that is not the case. Storm sewers carry stormwater (rain and melting snow) to the nearest river, lake, stream or wetland.

Each one of us, whether we know it or not, contributes to nonpoint source pollution, or people pollution, through our daily activities. With each rainfall, pollutants generated by the activities listed below are washed into storm drains that flow into our waterways. They also can soak into the ground, contaminating the ground water below. As a result, nonpoint source pollution is the BIGGEST threat to many of our ponds, creeks, lakes, wells, streams, rivers and bays, ground water and the ocean.

The collective impact of nonpoint source pollution threatens aquatic and marine life, recreational water activities, the fishing industry, and our precious drinking water resources. Simple changes in YOUR daily lifestyle can make a tremendous difference in the quality of New Jersey's water resources. Here are just a few ways you can reduce nonpoint source pollution.

Easy Things You Can Do Every Day To Protect Our Water.

LITTER : Place litter, including cigarette butts and fast food containers, in trash receptacles. Never throw litter in streets or down storm drains. Recycle as much as possible.

FERTILIZERS : Fertilizers contain nitrates and phosphates that, in abundance, cause blooms of algae that can lead to fish kills. Avoid the overuse of fertilizers and do not apply them before a heavy rainfall. Actually, fertilize once a year in the fall if at all!

PESTICIDES : Many lawn care products can be toxic to humans, animals, aquatic organisms and plants. Use alternatives whenever possible. If you do use a pesticide, follow the label directions carefully.

MOTOR OIL : Do not dump used motor oil down storm drains or on the ground. Recycle all used motor oil by taking it to a local public or private recycling center.

CAR WASHING : Wash your car only when necessary. Consider using a commercial car wash that recycles its wash water. Like fertilizers, many car detergents contain phosphate. If you wash your car at home, use a non-phosphate detergent.

PET WASTE : Animal wastes contain bacteria and viruses that can cause the closing of bathing beaches. Pet owners should use newspaper, bags or scoopers to pick up after pets and dispose of wastes in the garbage or toilet.

FEEDING WILDLIFE : Do not feed wildlife, such as ducks and geese, in public areas. Their animal waste is also harmful to waterways.

SEPTIC SYSTEMS : An improperly working septic system can contaminate ground water and create health problems. Avoid adding unnecessary grease, household hazardous products and solids to your septic system. Inspect your tank annually and pump it out every three to five years.

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS PRODUCTS : Many common household products (paint thinners, moth balls, drain and oven cleaners, to name a few) contain toxic ingredients. Do not discard with the regular household trash. Use natural and less toxic alternatives whenever possible.