Storm Water Management
Do You Know the Word on the Street?
SUNY Maritime College is stenciling an important message on storm drains for the storm
water management program to promote a healthy storm sewer system and healthy
water for our community.
They’re Doing What?
Volunteers are stenciling a “No Dumping” message next to storm drains that go to local
creeks, streams, rivers, and lakes.
But Why?
Because storm drains flow directly to nearby rivers and streams, not to wastewater
treatment plants. Your city street is really like waterfront property and everything that
rain washes off of your roof, yard, and driveway goes to the nearby water used for
swimming, boating, and maybe even drinking. In addition, anything that is dumped into
these drains, such as used motor oil, paint, or excess pesticides, goes directly into a
local stream. Stenciling will remind everyone – homeowners, business owners,
developers, and other citizens – not to dump anything into storm drains so we can
protect our water from storm water pollution that may close beaches, cause unsightly
weed and algae growth, and even kill fish!
This pollution comes from where?
From all of us! Storm water picks up litter, yard waste, excess lawn fertilizers and
pesticides, leaking oil on streets and parking lots, pet wastes in parks and on lawns, and
dirt from construction sites. All together, this adds up to more pollution than industries
make!
What can I do to help?
Never dump substances down a storm drain that you wouldn’t swim in or drink. Spread
this simple message to everyone you know. Other ways to help include:
- Use less fertilizer on lawns
- Recycle used oil
- Pick up pet wastes
- Dispose of household hazardous wastes responsibly.
For more information call your storm water program coordinator at: (718) 409 - 7318
