What Do You Know About Storm Drains

Only Rain Down the Storm Drain

Storm drains are designed to carry rainwater away from streets and neighborhoods to help prevent flooding. But stormwater runoff doesn’t travel alone. As it flows across roads, lawns and sidewalks, it picks up pollutants like litter, pet waste, oil, fertilizer and yard debris – carrying them directly into local waterways.

What goes into storm drains eventually ends up in our rivers, streams and the Chesapeake Bay.

How Stormwater Pollution Happens

Unlike wastewater from sinks and toilets, stormwater is not treated before entering local waterways.

That means everyday pollutants can wash directly into the environment, including:

Pet waste and bacteria
Fertilizers and pesticides
Leaves and grass clippings
Oil, grease and automotive fluids
Trash and litter

These pollutants can harm fish and wildlife, fuel algae growth, reduce oxygen in the water, and contribute to swimming and shellfish harvesting restrictions.

Leaves Belong in the Yard – Not the Street

Leaves and yard debris may seem harmless, but when they wash into storm drains, they can clog pipes, contribute to street flooding, and pollute waterways as they decompose.

What to do:

Never blow or rake leaves into streets, ditches or storm drains
Follow your locality’s yard waste collection guidelines
Compost leaves or mulch them into your lawn
Keep grass clippings and yard debris out of the street

Simple Ways to Protect Waterways

Small actions at home can make a big difference for local water quality.

What you can do:

Scoop, bag, and trash pet waste
Use fertilizers carefully and test soil before applying
Plant native plants that need less water and fewer chemicals
Keep fats, oils, and grease out of household drains
Avoid overwatering lawns and landscapes
Never dump anything into a storm drain

Everyone Lives in a Watershed

Everything that happens on the land around us can impact nearby waterways. By making small changes at home and in our neighborhoods, we can help reduce stormwater pollution and protect the waterways that make Hampton Roads unique.

If you see illegal dumping or blocked storm drains, contact your local stormwater department.