Prevent Stormwater Pollution by Ensuring Only Rain Enters the Storm Drain

A sudden downpour in Arizona can bring both relief and risk, as recently seen. Arizona storms can move quickly through your neighborhood, and in minutes, water flows over streets and sidewalks, picking up trash, oil, pet waste, and pesticides. These pollutants are carried into storm drains, contaminating the water that ends up in our local washes, parks, streams, and wetlands. Even one rainstorm can significantly impact our environment.

Stormwater runoff is a leading cause of water pollution in the United States because it picks up dirt, trash, oil, grease, chemicals, and other pollutants and flows into waterways, canals, parks, community lakes, retention basins, and dry wells without treatment. This untreated water can harm aquatic life, ecosystems, and our drinking water. Cities use separate systems: the sanitary sewer system carries wastewater from sinks, toilets, showers, and washing machines to treatment plants, while storm drains carry untreated water directly into natural areas and sometimes into aquifers through seepage. The stormwater system includes infrastructure like ditches, culverts, ponds, lakes, curbs, and gutters, which do not treat water before it reaches groundwater. To protect our water and environment, remember: only rain should go into the storm drain.

In recognition of National Stormwater Awareness Week, learning a few facts about stormwater runoff shows how each of us can help keep our environment clean. Here’s a checklist of simple steps you can take to keep stormwater free of pollutants:

Yard & Pet Care

• Collect pet waste in a plastic bag and throw it away in a garbage can.
• Pet waste contains bacteria and other germs. Never leave it on the ground.
• Avoid sweeping or washing yard debris into the street; compost or bag yard waste instead.

Automobile Maintenance & Washing

• Maintain vehicles to prevent leaks; even one quart of motor oil can contaminate over 250,000 gallons of water.
• Use drip pans to catch leaks and clean up spills promptly with kitty litter or sand.
• Wash vehicles at commercial or self-service car washes when possible.
• If washing at home, use phosphate-free detergent and direct water to landscaping or indoor drains.

Lawn Care & Chemicals

• Use pesticides, fertilizers, and other lawn care products sparingly and follow label instructions.
• Don’t overwater lawns; excess water carries pollutants to rivers and washes.
• Keep chemicals in labeled, closed containers, and dispose of them at local hazardous waste sites or events.

Household Chemicals

Keep chemicals in labeled, closed containers. Dispose of or recycle unused household chemicals, including paint, used oil, cleaners, and yard chemicals, appropriately. Take these items to your city's Household Hazardous Waste site or collection event.

Pools, Spas & Water Features

• Drain pools, spas, or water features to the sanitary sewer (using your home’s cleanout), never into the street.
• Pool water can contain chemicals and bacteria that harm waterways.

Trash & Recycling

• Bag and tie up loose trash.
• Keep trash and recycling bins securely closed to prevent wind from scattering debris.

Everyday habits really do help keep pollutants out of our stormwater system. By following these simple steps, you help protect our water and our environment. Together, we can keep Arizona’s waterways clean for future generations.

During National Stormwater Awareness Week, Phoenix Water staff will present at a national webinar on Friday, September 25th at noon. The topic is Advancing Stormwater Quality in Urban Systems: Phoenix’s Integrated Approach. Please register here to join.

For 57 years, the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association has worked to protect our member cities' ability to provide assured, safe, and sustainable water supplies to their communities — Avondale, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Goodyear, Mesa, Peoria, Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe. For more information, visit amwua.org.