Stormwater Information

Storm Water Pollution

Nonpoint source water pollution (stormwater pollution) occurs when water runs over land or through the ground, picks up contaminants, deposits them in a water body, or infiltrates the groundwater. According to the EPA, nonpoint source pollution is now the leading source of water quality degradation. Water quality degradation can have harmful effects on drinking water supplies, recreation, fisheries, and wildlife.

The Following Are Tips on How You Can Reduce Your Impact on Stormwater

  • Don't dump anything into storm drains. Dispose of hazardous waste through Seekonk's waste oil program and annual hazardous waste collection.
  • Sweep up salt and sand on your sidewalks after snowmelt. Don't hose down driveways or sidewalks.
  • Reduce fertilizer and pesticide use or toxicity. When mowing the lawn, mulch lawn clippings to provide a natural fertilizer.
  • When watering lawns, don't over-spray. Water that runs off sidewalks and roadways carries contaminants (oil, grease, and metals) into the storm system.
  • Pick up litter or pet waste. The waste ends up in our streams either directly or through storm drains.
  • Get involved in your local watershed association (i.e. Mt. Hope Bay Shore Watershed, Ten Mile Watershed Alliance, Runnins River Steering Committee).
  • Maintain your septic system. Water ponding above your septic system during a storm can mean that your system is breaking out. The breakout can carry bacteria and viruses with it.
  • Divert runoff from pavement to grassy, planted, or wooded areas of your property.
  • When washing your car, use phosphate-free, non-petroleum-based cleaning agents.
  • If you see a suspicious discharge to a water body or storm drain (catch basin, slotted manhole) contact Seekonk's Conservation Agent at 508-336-2944.
  • Inspect your vehicles and equipment for leaking and damaged parts.
  • Personal property should not be connected to the storm drain system (i.e. downspouts, laundry hookups, or septic system).

Remember: The Seekonk storm drain system does not provide any treatment for the removal of pollutants. Anything that enters the system eventually reaches our waterways.

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