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Everything that goes onto our streets or down any drain has the potential to end up in our waterways. With so much of our economy, our quality of life and our ecosystem dependent upon clean water, it is essential that we do everything possible to prevent water pollution.
What is stormwater?
Stormwater is untreated water that drains from the surface of roofs, lawns, streets and other paved surfaces through the City’s storm drain system. This includes water from rain, irrigation, car washing and other activities. Any water that hits Fort Lauderdale streets will flow to a storm drain — and eventually to our waterways.
What is stormwater pollution?
Rainwater and water from hoses and sprinklers can wash loose trash down storm drains and into our waterways. Living in Fort Lauderdale means that there are plenty of opportunities for stormwater to pick up floating debris due to our frequent summer rainstorms. Along the way to the City’s storm drains, this water picks up pollutants and floatables, including street debris like cigarette butts, styrofoam cups, and fast food wrappers. The moving water can also become mixed with chemicals, pesticides, fertilizers, motor oil, car fluids, grass clippings and pet waste which run off from homes and businesses. Leaking and improperly maintained septic systems can also disperse to the stormwater on its way to a drain. Even water that starts out inside can cause pollution. That’s because what you wash down your sink or shower or flush down your toilet could cause blockages, which can cause broken pipes, resulting in water free flowing back to waterways. The result is polluted stormwater.
Where does stormwater go?
Storm systems are designed to recycle water. That is, they are designed to put clean rainwater back through the water cycle — in other words, into the waterways. Unfortunately, this means that any debris in the stormwater gets swept along through the drain system and also ends up in our waterways. So, unmonitored and unstopped, this debris will end up in the same water where we boat and fish, where marine mammals live, and where shorebirds nest. The good news is that it can be stopped.
What are the costs of stormwater pollution?
Stormwater pollution poses a health risk, harms marine life, closes beaches, contaminates the ocean, impacts the economy, harms the environment, affects neighborhoods and property values, clogs gutters and catch basins, attracts rodents, creates unpleasant odors, and adds to the City’s operating expenses.
How does the City stop stormwater pollution?
During rainstorms, the City is able to channel rainwater to catch basins and storm drains in order to prevent flooding. Our Public Works Department works diligently to set up automatic systems for catching debris before it hits waterways, but also conducts waterway maintenance and participates in and supports waterway clean up events. In some cases, the stormwater travels to a pump station where it passes through a bar screen to filter out large floatables and debris, which are then collected for disposal. The water remains in a holding tank until it reaches a certain level, then it is automatically discharged into a nearby waterway.
How can you stop stormwater pollution?
Practice these ten habits:
- Report illegal dumping into the storm drain or sanitary sewer system, clogged storm drains, or overflowing manholes by calling the 24-hour Customer Service Center at 954-828-8000.
- Use lawn and garden products sparingly. Use fertilizers with less than two percent phosphorous and organic, biodegradable, non-toxic pesticides.
- Check all vehicles, motorcycles, boats and other watercraft and outdoor recreational vehicles for leaks.
- Dispose of household hazardous waste properly.
- Maintain swale areas for proper drainage and retention.
- Sweep paved surfaces instead of hosing them down.
- Dispose of yard waste and clippings properly.
- Xeriscape with native, drought and pest resistant plants.
- Purchase biodegradable, nontoxic, recycled/recyclable products when possible.
- Pick up pet waste. Leaving pet waste behind is unlawful and is a form of littering punishable under the City of Fort Lauderdale’s Code of Ordinances.
