Stormwater Tips

January - Dish the Dirty

Only stormwater is allowed to enter into a stormdrain. The discharge of any polluted water, sewage, oil, paint, etc., is strictly prohibited. Help protect our community and waterways by reporting stormwater pollution when you see it.

When to make a report:

• When you see someone illegally dumping anything into a storm drain, ditch or waterway.
• When you find disposed waste in or near any storm drain, ditch or waterway.
• When you notice unusual odors in or near the storm drain.
• When you see sediment coming off a construction site.
• When the drainage system has unusually large flows during a dry period.
• When you are aware of suspected stormwater pollution that may impact public health or the environment.

Any person observing such discharge should report the occurrence to the Stormwater Division at 229-259-3530 or email akbray@valdostacity.com.

February - Love Where You Live

We've officially been told not to litter for over a half a century now. The first public service announcement for litter prevention ran in 1956. Changing a common behavior, like littering, starts with you. Each person must accept responsibility for their actions and influence others around them at home, at school, in your place of business, and in the community at large. Prevention is key!

Start with these simple actions to help make a difference in our community:

• Carry a litter bag in your car;
• If you are a smoker, carry and use a portable ashtray;
• If you see litter, pick it up;
• Ensure that the lid on your trash can is secured;
• Volunteer at community cleanups; and
• Educate and set an example for others.

By helping reduce litter, it will beautify our community and help keep our waterways clean! For more information, contact the Stormwater Division at (229) 259 – 3530.

March - World Water Day

In 1993, the United Nations declared March 22 World Water Day. The purpose of this special day is to bring awareness to water related topics including: water supply, shortages, and sanitation problems. Each year there is a theme and for 2018 it is "Nature for Water." Nature is just one way to help overcome the many water challenges that can effect communities from floods, drought, and pollution, which can all be made worse through the degradation of vegetation and soil. One way to help is to plant trees to tame stormwater. By planting trees and other vegetation, this can help increase the absorption rate of rainfall, reduce soil erosion and so much more. For additional information, please visit Trees Tame Stormwater and World Water Day.

April - Know the Flow

Many people think that storm drains are part of a sanitary sewer system that flow to a wastewater treatment plant. Actually, storm drains are a direct link to local streams, rivers, lakes and wetlands.

Here are ten things you can do to prevent stormwater runoff:

• Never dump ANYTHING down storm drains or in ditches
• Pick up pet waste
• Fix auto leaks and recycle your motor oil
• Don't litter
• Apply fertilizers responsibly
• Keep leaves and grass off streets
• Redirect downspouts
• Use car wash
• Practice mindful pest control
• Minimize erosion

Remember, only rain goes down the storm drain! For more information, contact the Stormwater Division at (229) 259 – 3530.