Stormwater

Currently, KCCD is working with the City of Cle Elum, through a Dept of Ecology grant, to assess stormwater sources, inventory existing facilities, educate landowners, install streamside re-vegetation projects and develop a stormwater demonstration project.

Stormwater is rain and snow melt that runs off surfaces such as rooftops, paved streets, highways, and parking lots. As water runs off these surfaces, it can pick up pollution such as: oil, fertilizers, pesticides, soil, trash, and animal waste. From here, the water might flow directly into a local stream, bay, or lake. Or, it may go into a storm drain and continue through storm pipes until it is released untreated into a local waterway.

In addition, the large impervious surfaces in urban areas increase the quantity of peak flows of runoff, which in turn cause hydrologic impacts such as scoured streambed channels, instream sedimentation and loss of habitat. Furthermore, because of the volume of runoff discharges, mass loads of pollutants in stormwater can be significant.

Human Health: In general, untreated stormwater is unsafe. It can contain toxic metals, organic compounds, bacteria, and viruses. Untreated stormwater is not safe for people to drink and is not recommended for swimming. Polluted stormwater can lead to beach closures for swimming and shellfish harvesting. It can also trigger toxic algal blooms.

Degraded Water Quality: Virtually all of our urban creeks, streams, and rivers are harmed by stormwater pollution. Stormwater is the leading contributor to water quality pollution of urban waterways in Washington.

Impaired Habitat: In Washington, urban stormwater harms and pollutes streams that provide habitat for fish and wildlife. Alterations to the watershed, such as building homes and other structures and clearing away trees and shrubs, are the leading causes for stormwater pollution. Federal agencies identified habitat loss from stormwater runoff as one of the primary obstacles to salmon recovery.

What can you do?

Vehicle and Garage

Use a commercial car wash or wash your car on a lawn or other unpaved surface to minimize the amount of dirty, soapy water flowing into the storm drain and eventually into your local waterbody.
Check your car, boat, motorcycle, and other machinery and equipment for leaks and spills. Make repairs as soon as possible.
Clean up spilled fluids with an absorbent material like kitty litter or sand. Remember to properly dispose of the absorbent material.
Recycle used oil and other automotive fluids at participating service stations. Don’t dump these chemicals down the storm drain or dispose of them in your trash.

Lawn and Garden

Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly. When use is necessary, use these chemicals in the recommended amounts. Avoid application if the forecast calls for rain; otherwise, chemicals will be washed into your local stream.
Select native plants and grasses that are drought- and pest resistant. Native plants require less water, fertilizer, and pesticides.
Sweep up yard debris, rather than hosing down areas. Compost or recycle yard waste when possible.
Don’t over water your lawn. Water during the cool times of the day, and don’t let water run off into the storm drain.

Home Repair and Improvement

Before beginning an outdoor project, locate the nearest storm drains and protect them from debris and other materials.
Sweep up and properly dispose of construction debris such as concrete and mortar.
Use hazardous substances like paints, solvents, and cleaners in the smallest amounts possible, and follow the directions on the label. Clean up spills immediately, and dispose of the waste safely. Store substances properly to avoid leaks and spills.
Purchase and use nontoxic, biodegradable, recycled, and recyclable products whenever possible.
Clean paint brushes in a sink, not outdoors. Filter and reuse paint thinner when using oil-based paints. Properly dispose of excess paints through a household hazardous waste collection program, or donate unused paint to local organizations.
Reduce the amount of paved area and increase the amount of vegetated area in your yard. Use native plants in your landscaping to reduce the need for watering during dry periods. Consider directing downspouts away from paved surfaces onto lawns and other measures to increase infiltration and reduce polluted runoff.

Information for this article was obtained from the EPA website.