Pet Waste

Experts say that 80% of pet owners do not consistently and properly dispose of their pet’s waste in a sanitary manner. Roundworms, E. coli, and Giardia are just a few of the many harmful microorganisms that can be transmitted to humans from pet waste. Some can last in your yard for as long as four years if not cleaned up. Children who play outside and adults who garden are at greatest risk of infection.   Some cities, especially with beaches, have already experienced record breaking beach closings, largely in part to pet waste that has entered the water. In return, they have been forced to issue fines to pet owners to clean up after their pets.

Sewage

Sewage discharges can have a significant impact on our waterways and the aquatic species that inhabit them. Sewage contains many viruses, bacteria, and diseases that pose an immediate threat to the health of humans and wildlife. Dysentery, typhoid fever, viral and bacterial gastroenteritis, and Hepatitis A are just a few of the diseases that can be transmitted to humans.

Sewage discharges can occur through sanitary sewer discharges and/or failing septic systems.  If a residence is using a septic tank, it is the homeowner’s responsibility to make sure that their septic tank is maintained properly. Click here to find out more information about septic tank maintenance to help protect our waterways.

Oil and Automotive Fluids

Typical pollutants generated by automotive activities include wastewater from car washing, motor oil, brake dust, sanding waste, filler residue, paints, thinners, plating wastes, and other automotive fluids. These pollutants can pose a serious threat to water quality and all aquatic species.  One gallon of oil, for example, can contaminate 1,000,000 gallons of water.  Click here to learn more about Vehicle Maintenance.

Trash

What is thrown on a roadside, could ultimately be washed into a storm drain and then into a creek, stream, river, or lake. It is estimated that 25-30 tons of trash are in each major stream in York County.   Littering is illegal and law enforcement officials are looking for drivers and pedestrians who litter.  Nobody wants a fine.

Fertilizer & Pesticides

Stormwater pollution from incorrect use of fertilizers and pesticides has become one of the fastest growing problems in water quality today. Most individuals use fertilizers or pesticides without knowing exactly how much is needed or if any is needed at all. Others over-water their lawns after application, which creates runoff and transports fertilizer into the storm drainage system.  Click here to learn more about Fertilizers and Pesticides.

Household Chemicals

Household chemicals used in and around our house should never be dumped into the storm drainage system! Most household chemical are very toxic, which can harm our waterways and the species that inhabit them. Click here to learn more about Household Chemicals.

Yard Waste

Clippings, leaves, and grass are often placed carelessly by the roadside or on the road are washed into the storm drain system.  When yard waste breaks Yard waste acts much like fertilizer in that it contains nutrients that can feed algae which ultimately can create algal blooms in downstream waters. Like fertilizer, this can lead to fish kills.  Excessive yard waste in the storm drains can cause flooding.  Click here to learn more about Yard Waste.