 |
|
|
TREASURE ISLAND PUBLIC WORKS
STORMWATER RUNOFF
Jim Murphy, Director
727-547-4575 ext. 250
publicworks2@mytreasureisland.org
What is stormwater runoff?
Stormwater Runoff is rainfall that does not seep into the ground but runs off over our yards, streets, parking lots, and buildings. The stormwater runoff then enters our storm sewer system which flows directly into creeks, lakes, Boca Ciega Bay, Tampa Bay, or the Gulf of Mexico.
How does stormwater get polluted?
As stormwater flows over our lawns, driveways and parking lots, it picks up fertilizers, oil, chemicals, grass clippings, litter, pet waste, and anything else in its path. The storm sewer system then transports these pollutants to local lakes and streams, and eventually Tampa Bay, Boca Ciega Bay or the Gulf of Mexico.
Are the storm sewers the same as sanitary sewers?
Storm drains are the openings you see along curbs and in streets and parking lots. They carry away rainwater and transport it through the storm sewer system to nearby waterways. Water and other debris that enter stormdrains do not go to a treatment facility. In contrast, the sanitary sewer takes household water and waste from toilets, sinks and showers, and transports it to a wastewater treatment facility. There, the water is treated and can be reused for reclaimed water.
Putting oil, antifreeze, paint, detergents, and lawn and garden clippings into the storm drainage system is the same as dumping them directly into the bay.
Any substance that can render water harmful to people, fish, or wildlife or impair recreation or other beneficial uses of water is considered a pollutant. |
| 12 EASY WAYS TO PROTECT BOCA CIEGA BAY Homeowners can make a big difference in our local stormwater runoff by minimizing fertilizer and pesticide use, picking up after their pets, and washing their cars and boats at a carwash facility. Other helpful measures include not draining your pool into the storm sewer, recycling hazardous household waste and landscaping using Florida Friendly Practices. |
| 1 Never dispose of oils, pesticides, paints, or other chemicals onto driveways, roadways or storm drains. The next rain will carry it into the surface water or help it soak into ground water. |
2 Consider replacing impervious surfaces like sidewalks and driveways around your home with more pervious materials or methods like mulch, turf block, pervious concrete or clean stone. 3 Review your home for storm water handling. If your gutters, downspouts, driveways, or decks directly discharge into a water body, retrofit them by redirecting the runoff onto grassy areas or installing berm/swale system. 4 Collect stormwater runoff in closed rain barrels and use if for yard and garden watering. |
5 Make sure your automobile or boat isn't leaking fluids. 6 Instead of washing your car or boat at home, take it to a commercial car wash. The drains in commercial car washes are connected to the sanitary sewer system, so rinse water doesn't wash down storm drains. Many commercial car washes conserve water by recycling rinse water. 7 If you must wash your car or boat at home, use a mild dishwashing liquid and try to keep the soapy water from flowing to a storm drain. Park your vehicle in the grass or vegetation that will absorb the water, and use a spray nozzle that shuts off. |
8 Instead of cleaning walkways with a hose, sweep up grass clippings, leaves, twigs and put them into a yard waste container or compost pile. Sweep up dirt and put it back into the garden. This way, you won't accidentally wash debris into a storm drain or waterway, and you'll save water. 9 Avoid using weed and feed products. Applying this product to your entire lawn is overkill for weed control. Pull weeds by hand or with tools. If you decide to use a weed killer, wear gloves, spot spray just the weed, and spray when it isn't windy or when rain isn't predicted. Never use pesticides, fertilizers, or herbicides near streams, lakes, or wetlands. 10 If you have an irrigation system, make sure it is in good working order and limit its use to actual watering needs. 11 Retain shrubby vegetation along waterfronts to prevent erosion and help stop heavy rain sheet flow |
| 12 Do not drain your pool or spa to a lot, ditch or outside drain where the chlorinated water could enter groundwater or a storm drain. |
.
|
If you think you might have witnessed a potential illicit discharge or know of an illicit connection on or near your property, please contact the Code Enforcement at 547-4575 ext. 232 or the Stormwater Dept. at 547-4575 ext. 254
|
HERE ARE SOME USEFUL GUIDES YOU CAN DOWNLOAD & PRINT Waterfront Property Owners Guide Best Practices Landscape Guide Homeowner's Guide to Preventing Urban Stormwater Runoff Best Management Practices for Concrete and Mortar Projects Best Management Practices for Landscaping Companies Best Management Practices for Pool Construction and Maintenance Best Management Practices for Power Washing SWFWMD's Stormwater Systems in Your Neighborhood
|
.
|