Beatriss Calhoun, Water Resources Extension Agent
In your day-to-day life, you may rarely hear people say, “Have you seen that storm drain lately?” Ideally, stormwater managers would love to hear the response, “Yes — and it’s working and looking great!” However, the truth is that most storm drains go unnoticed.
As development continues to expand in rural areas and as the new era of city life puts added strain on existing systems, it’s more important than ever for communities to understand the critical role storm drains play. Urban areas, in particular, often face challenges like improper waste disposal and illicit discharges, which can overwhelm stormwater infrastructure.
In this article, you will gain a better understanding of storm drains, learn about the seen and unseen pollutants that affect storm drains, and how you can play your part. Storm drains are an essential piece of local stormwater management.
What is a Storm Drain?
You may have seen a storm drain for the very first time when many developed a fear of clowns. However, storm drains are more than a scene in a movie. Storm Drains are metal grates framed by pavement or cement found on urban and suburban streets. Storm drains sit curbside of roadways, often at corners, and convey rainwater and snowmelt off the roads to reduce the chance of flooding. Untreated water flows directly into the nearest waterway.
When rainwater or snowmelt flows from landscapes and impervious surfaces, such as rooftops, pavement, sidewalks, and streets, into storm drains, it also carries with it various forms of non-point source pollution. Non-point source pollution is pollution that originates from many different sources.
Pollutants that Affect Water Quality
Seen Pollutants:
- Litter/ Trash
- Debris
- Food waste
- Fats, Oils, and Grease (F.O.G.)
- Paint
- Sediment
Unseen Pollutants
- Automotive fluids
- Household Chemicals
- Pesticides
- Herbicide
- Bacteria
- Fertilizer
- Micro Plastics
When the pollutants listed above enter the waterway, they can cause fish kills, swim alerts, algal blooms, wildlife hazards, and flooding. Keeping these hazards out of our waterway protects our ecosystem and one of our community’s major economic industries.
How can you help?
- Avoid using harmful, toxic products near or around storm drains. Look for cleaning alternatives, such as lemon juice, vinegar, and baking soda, to incorporate into your maintenance routine.
- Ensure that you dispose of waste properly, such as placing landscape debris in a yard waste bag and avoiding overfilling trash cans. Also, disposing of waste at the right time is essential. It is important to know your local waste collection schedule. Visit Charleston County Environmental Management for more information.
- Create Citizen Groups in your community that protect storm drains and suggest ways for the community to be involved. Encourage neighbors to have a soil test before fertilizing their soil or consider washing your vehicle on your landscape rather than on impervious pavement.
