Stormwater Pollution Prevention
When it rains, the water washes pollution from our lawns, roads, and sidewalks into our storm drains. From there, it moves through underground pipes and open channels, eventually reaching our ponds, lakes, rivers, and the bay – all the important waterways we need for fishing, swimming, and providing drinking water. Most of this “stormwater” isn’t sent to a treatment facility before it enters our aquatic ecosystems.
Improving the quality of our stormwater has a huge impact on both our communities and ecosystems. We need the help of all Tampa Bay residents! Take care of our waterways while taking care of your home. Help keep your neighborhood clean and free from pollutants.
Remember, Don’t Feed the Beast! Make sure nothing but rain goes down the storm drain.
Become a Stormwater Steward!
Show your commitment to keeping Tampa Bay pollution-free by taking the Stormwater Stewardship Pledge today.
Tampa Bay Homeowner’s Guide to Stormwater
From Street to Stream: The Journey of Stormwater
Did you know that 60% of all nutrient pollution in Tampa Bay comes from stormwater runoff? Many fertilizers, household products, and even pet waste are high in nutrients that impact water quality, like nitrogen. Too much of these nutrients in our waterways can lead to algae blooms, like red tide, that can be toxic to both people and wildlife. Understanding the journey stormwater takes from our roads to our waterways is the first step to protecting Tampa Bay.
Stormwater Facts
IMPACTS ON THE ENVIRONMENT
Stormwater runoff can carry pollutants like fertilizers, oil, pet waste, and trash into waterways. These pollutants can harm aquatic life, reduce water quality, and contribute to issues like algal blooms, which can affect the health of fish and other wildlife. This runoff can also negatively impact our drinking water and recreational activities.
IMPACTS ON PUBLIC HEALTH
Polluted stormwater runoff can contain harmful substances like chemicals, bacteria, and trash, which can contaminate drinking water supplies and increase the risk of waterborne diseases. It can also contain high amounts of nutrients from fertilizers, dog waste, and yard debris, contributing to algal blooms that produce harmful toxins.
STORMWATER... TREATMENT?
While it is possible for stormwater to be treated, most stormwater runoff in the Tampa Bay region is not treated before entering local waterways. This is why it is so important for residents to reduce pollution at the source by properly managing waste, using fertilizers responsibly, and maintaining their property to prevent runoff.
"STORMWATER" VS. "STORM SURGE"
While both are water-related events, stormwater runoff occurs when rainwater flows across impervious surfaces and picks up pollutants, whereas storm surge is a rise in sea level due to powerful storms, like hurricanes. Understanding the difference helps communities better manage both issues and reduce pollution in waterways.
Common Pollutants
LITTER
When you think about stormwater pollution, you probably picture trash in our gutters and storm drains. Litter like plastic straws, containers, and cigarette butts all contribute to pollution in our waterways. They can also increase the amount of microplastics in our local seafood and drinking water. Yikes!
YARD DEBRIS
Most of us know that leaves, grass clippings, and branches can clog storm drains and cause flooding, but they can also pollute our waterways. Yard debris can add excess nutrients like nitrogen into our lakes, rivers, and the bay that lead to algal blooms, fish kills, and stinky water.
FERTILIZER
Excess fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides wash off our lawns and gardens when it rains, eventually flowing into our waterways. These added nutrients can contribute to algae blooms, which can be toxic to people and wildlife! This is why many cities and counties have summer fertilizer ordinances to prevent fertilizer runoff during the rainy season.
PET WASTE
Pet waste can introduce bacteria and viruses into our waterways through stormwater runoff. When these contaminants build up, they can degrade water quality, cause illness, and lead to beach and swimming area closures. Keeping poop off the grass is good for our water, our health, and our shoes!
AUTO WASTE
Stormwater runoff often picks up auto waste from our roads and driveways. This includes chemicals like motor oil, gasoline, and even car wash soap. These chemicals can be especially harmful to water quality.
HOUSEHOLD CHEMICALS
Chemicals in our homes – like paint, bleach, medications, and chlorinated pool water – do not belong in our waterways! When these are dumped into our storm drains, they flow directly into nearby streams, lakes, and rivers untreated. Even products advertised as “natural” may be harmful to our local aquatic wildlife.
What You Can Do
CLEAN UP
We know you’d never litter, but that doesn’t mean other people will keep our streets clean! Help keep our communities clean. If you see trash on the ground, place it in the proper waste or recycling bin.
LEAVE YOUR LEAVES
There are several ways you can keep yard debris out of our waterways. When mowing or raking leaves, keep the debris on your lawn. It’s free fertilizer! You can also use them as mulch for your garden, or dispose of them in the proper container for your city.
SKIP THE FERTILIZER
Many places in Tampa Bay have ordinances that prohibit fertilizing during the summer rainy season. Skip the fertilizer, pesticides, and herbicides during the months of June to September, and use that extra time for some summer fun! If your lawn really needs it, only use these chemicals as directed on the packaging, or opt for some other natural methods to remove stubborn pests, like neem oil.
SCOOP THAT POOP
Always clean up after your pet and dispose of their poop in a proper bin – even in your own yard. Carry extra doggy bags on your walks just in case Fido has an extra surprise for you!
COOL YOUR POOL
Never dump household chemicals down the storm drain, including chlorinated pool water. Before draining your pool, avoid adding any chemicals for a few days. Once it’s dechlorinated, slowly release the water into your yard – the soil will do the filtering work for you!
FLORIDA-FRIENDLY HOMES
Want to take your stormwater stewardship to the ultimate level? Installing rain gardens or permeable pavements on your property will help absorb stormwater runoff, meaning less pollution will make its way to the storm drain. Adding more native or Florida-Friendly plants to your yard will also reduce the amount of fertilizer and water you need to keep your yard green and healthy!
READY TO PROTECT OUR WATERWAYS?
Become a Stormwater Steward
Stormwater stewardship is not just a local issue – it’s a regional responsibility. By working together, we can ensure future generations in the Tampa Bay area have access to clean water and healthy ecosystems.
Do you have what it takes to be a Stormwater Steward? We want to show that Tampa Bay residents are a cut above the rest. Review the responsibilities of a true Stormwater Steward and pledge to things that can make a difference. Take the Stormwater Stewardship Pledge to show your friends, neighbors, and city council members your commitment to protecting your neighborhood from stormwater pollution!