NORTHEAST WISCONSIN’S WATERSARE ENJOYED BY PEOPLE OF ALL AGES, ALL

YEAR ROUND.

WHO’S RESPONSIBLE TO PROTECT SUCH A VALUABLE RESOURCE?

Every Choice Counts.

UNTREATED RUNOFF IS THE BIGGEST THREAT TO OUR NATION’S WATER QUALITY.

-U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Often urban runoff is directly

discharged into nearby waterbodieswithout any water quality treatment.

Photo Copyright 1999, Center for Watershed Protection

Urbanization significantly changes the water balance especially in regard to

INCREASING SURFACE RUNOFF

SurfaceRunoff

Surface Runoff

Pre-Development Post-Development

Photo Copyright 1999, Center for Watershed Protection

Urbanization significantly changes the amount of impervious surface. More impervious surface

INCREASES STORMWATER VOLUME.

Urbanization

INCREASES POLLUTANT

Sin runoff and

DECREASES WATER QUALITY.

THE POLLUTANTS IN STORMWATER RUNOFFTHE POLLUTANTS IN STORMWATER RUNOFF

NUTRIENTS

Nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus are substances needed for growth, but elevated levels can cause a health hazard in drinking water and stimulate excessive aquatic plant growth, which can ultimately lower dissolved oxygen levels.

NUTRIENT

SNutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus are substances needed for growth, but elevated levels can cause a health hazard in drinking water and stimulate excessive aquatic plant growth, which can ultimately lower dissolved oxygen levels.

SOURCES: animal waste, fertilizers, yard waste, septic systems, auto

emission

SOURCES: animal waste, fertilizers, yard waste, septic systems, auto

emission

PathogensPathogens are disease-causing bacteria and viruses associated with the presence of fecal matter that cause beach closures.

PathogensPathogens are disease-causing bacteria and viruses associated with the presence of fecal matter that cause beach closures.

SOURCES: failing septic systems, bird and pets waste, marine sanitation

devices

SOURCES: failing septic systems, bird and pets waste, marine sanitation

devices

THE POLLUTANTS IN STORMWATER RUNOFFTHE POLLUTANTS IN STORMWATER RUNOFF

SOURCES: road sand, construction sites, agricultural fields, disturbed areasSOURCES: road sand, construction

sites, agricultural fields, disturbed areas

SedimentSediment is eroded soil or sand which smothers aquatic habitat, carries pollutants, and reduces water clarity.

SedimentSediment is eroded soil or sand which smothers aquatic habitat, carries pollutants, and reduces water clarity.

THE POLLUTANTS IN STORMWATER RUNOFFTHE POLLUTANTS IN STORMWATER RUNOFF

Toxic ContaminantsToxic contaminants are compounds like heavy metals and pesticides that can threaten the health of both aquatic and human life, and are often resistant to breakdown.

Toxic ContaminantsToxic contaminants are compounds like heavy metals and pesticides that can threaten the health of both aquatic and human life, and are often resistant to breakdown.

SOURCES: industrial, commercial, household and agricultural chemicals, auto

emissions and drippings

SOURCES: industrial, commercial, household and agricultural chemicals, auto

emissions and drippings

THE POLLUTANTS IN STORMWATER RUNOFFTHE POLLUTANTS IN STORMWATER RUNOFF

DebrisDebris includes plastics and other trash that threaten aquatic life and detract from recreational and aesthetic values.

DebrisDebris includes plastics and other trash that threaten aquatic life and detract from recreational and aesthetic values.

SOURCES: illegal dumping, street litter,

beach litter, boating waste

SOURCES: illegal dumping, street litter,

beach litter, boating waste

THE POLLUTANTS IN STORMWATER RUNOFFTHE POLLUTANTS IN STORMWATER RUNOFF

Thermal Thermal StressStressThermal stress is an elevation in water temperature that can harm native species while helping nonnative species to spread.

Thermal Thermal StressStressThermal stress is an elevation in water temperature that can harm native species while helping nonnative species to spread.

SOURCES: runoff from heat-absorbing impervious surfaces, removal of streamside vegetation, shallow water impoundments,

decreased base flow

SOURCES: runoff from heat-absorbing impervious surfaces, removal of streamside vegetation, shallow water impoundments,

decreased base flow

THE POLLUTANTS IN STORMWATER RUNOFFTHE POLLUTANTS IN STORMWATER RUNOFF

Everything that flows into the storm drain or ditch in front of your home drains without treatment into our rivers and lakes.

WHAT YOU DO AT HOME AFFECTS

OUR LAKES, STREAMS AND RIVERS.

You can DECREASE the QUANTITY of polluted runoff

entering our rivers and lakes

Every Choice Counts.

Less Hard SurfaceThe more concrete or blacktop your property has, the more water will run off the property and into storm drains and ditches.

Planning for minimal hard surface on your property makes good sense. Focus on natural plantings that slow water so that it filters into the ground rather than runs off. Where needed, install pavement such as bricks that allow water to sink into the ground.

The more concrete or blacktop your property has, the more water will run off the property and into storm drains and ditches.

Planning for minimal hard surface on your property makes good sense. Focus on natural plantings that slow water so that it filters into the ground rather than runs off. Where needed, install pavement such as bricks that allow water to sink into the ground.

Rain Gardens

Rain Gardens are slight depressions in a yard that act as receiving areas for rain water that runs off your roof, downspouts and driveway.

Rain Gardens capture rainwater before it picks up oil, grease, fertilizer, pet waste or other contaminants, and then it sinks into the ground.

Rain Gardens are slight depressions in a yard that act as receiving areas for rain water that runs off your roof, downspouts and driveway.

Rain Gardens capture rainwater before it picks up oil, grease, fertilizer, pet waste or other contaminants, and then it sinks into the ground.

Rain Barrels

A rain barrel captures water that flows from a home’s roof through downspouts.

Commonly, the rain barrel is a 55 gallon drum designed specifically to hold water without creating a mosquito breeding habitat.

Water collected can be used to water plants throughout the yard.

A rain barrel captures water that flows from a home’s roof through downspouts.

Commonly, the rain barrel is a 55 gallon drum designed specifically to hold water without creating a mosquito breeding habitat.

Water collected can be used to water plants throughout the yard.

Redirect Down Spouts

Direct down spouts onto an unpaved surface. Water discharged onto a grassy area will soak into the ground instead of flowing onto the road and into a storm drain.

Direct down spouts onto an unpaved surface. Water discharged onto a grassy area will soak into the ground instead of flowing onto the road and into a storm drain.

You can INCREASE the QUALITY of runoff

entering our rivers and lakes

Every Choice Counts.

MowingMow often, when the grass is 3.5 inches or shorter. Set mower blade at 2.5 inches and let cuttings fall.

Make an effort not to blow cuttings onto pavement. If you do, sweep them up, then lay them around the roots of shrubs or vegetable plants where they help retain moisture.

A healthy, mulched lawn outcompetes weeds for light, nutrients and water.

Mow often, when the grass is 3.5 inches or shorter. Set mower blade at 2.5 inches and let cuttings fall.

Make an effort not to blow cuttings onto pavement. If you do, sweep them up, then lay them around the roots of shrubs or vegetable plants where they help retain moisture.

A healthy, mulched lawn outcompetes weeds for light, nutrients and water.

Fertilizing & Weed ControlChemicals and weed killers are not needed for a healthy lawn, and they’re one of the main reasons we have green algae in our lakes and streams.

Think before you buy. Get a soil test so you know if your lawn needs more nutrients. Mulch to keep the lawn healthy.

If you must fertilize, do it in the fall. Sweep up fertilizer that falls in the street and dispose of it properly. Remember fertilizer that goes in the street goes directly to our rivers and lakes.

Chemicals and weed killers are not needed for a healthy lawn, and they’re one of the main reasons we have green algae in our lakes and streams.

Think before you buy. Get a soil test so you know if your lawn needs more nutrients. Mulch to keep the lawn healthy.

If you must fertilize, do it in the fall. Sweep up fertilizer that falls in the street and dispose of it properly. Remember fertilizer that goes in the street goes directly to our rivers and lakes.

Watering

When watering is needed, use a sprinkler that shoots low to the ground. Sprinkle soil, not the street.

When watering is needed, use a sprinkler that shoots low to the ground. Sprinkle soil, not the street.

Pet WastePet waste is not only an unpleasant find on yard or sidewalk, but it carries bacteria that make beach closings necessary in the summer.

Prevent bacteria in our streams by carrying small plastic bags when walking your dog. Collect droppings and dispose of properly. Do not throw pet waste down the storm drain.

At home, pick up pet waste often, even waste in your backyard can pollute local waterways.

Pet waste is not only an unpleasant find on yard or sidewalk, but it carries bacteria that make beach closings necessary in the summer.

Prevent bacteria in our streams by carrying small plastic bags when walking your dog. Collect droppings and dispose of properly. Do not throw pet waste down the storm drain.

At home, pick up pet waste often, even waste in your backyard can pollute local waterways.

Car WashingWhen you wash your car in a driveway or street, wash water flows into the storm drain and directly into local rivers – along with dirt, emissions and detergent.

You can avoid this by using a commercial car wash, where wash water is directed to local wastewater treatment facilities.

If you must wash your car at home, use biodegradable soap and wash it on your lawn or other unpaved area.

When you wash your car in a driveway or street, wash water flows into the storm drain and directly into local rivers – along with dirt, emissions and detergent.

You can avoid this by using a commercial car wash, where wash water is directed to local wastewater treatment facilities.

If you must wash your car at home, use biodegradable soap and wash it on your lawn or other unpaved area.

Vehicle Maintenance

When a vehicle is maintained, fewer leaks spill onto streets and highways and fewer contaminants enter our streams.

So when you’re tempted to put off repairs or the six-month maintenance check, think again. When your car performs better, our waters fare better too!

When a vehicle is maintained, fewer leaks spill onto streets and highways and fewer contaminants enter our streams.

So when you’re tempted to put off repairs or the six-month maintenance check, think again. When your car performs better, our waters fare better too!

Mindful Driving

Did you know vehicle emissions affect water quality?

Tiny particles emitted from tail pipes settle on roadways, wash into storm drains, then flow to rivers and streams.

Street sweeping can minimize the impact of this pollution but rain and melting snow still carry contaminants to storm drains.

Did you know vehicle emissions affect water quality?

Tiny particles emitted from tail pipes settle on roadways, wash into storm drains, then flow to rivers and streams.

Street sweeping can minimize the impact of this pollution but rain and melting snow still carry contaminants to storm drains.

Reduce pollution, drive less.

Household Hazardous Waste Products such as: cleaning products and wash water, food oils and grease, automotive oil, grease and waste fluids, paint, petroleum-based solvents, rodent baits, batteries, herbicides, pesticides, concrete wash water and sidewalk salt, contain the same chemicals as strictly regulated industrial wastes.

We all have the opportunity – and the responsibility - to dispose of waste materials properly. Contact your local environmental, health or solid waste agency to find out more about local hazardous waste drop off or collection programs.

Products such as: cleaning products and wash water, food oils and grease, automotive oil, grease and waste fluids, paint, petroleum-based solvents, rodent baits, batteries, herbicides, pesticides, concrete wash water and sidewalk salt, contain the same chemicals as strictly regulated industrial wastes.

We all have the opportunity – and the responsibility - to dispose of waste materials properly. Contact your local environmental, health or solid waste agency to find out more about local hazardous waste drop off or collection programs.

If you wouldn’t dump it in the river,

don’t let it touch parking lots, soil, or

any other place

where it can be

washed into a

ditch or storm drain.

If you wouldn’t dump it in the river,

don’t let it touch parking lots, soil, or

any other place

where it can be

washed into a

ditch or storm drain.

Every Choice Counts.

Northeast Wisconsin Stormwater ConsortiumPO Box 1861 • Appleton, WI  54912 • (920) 858-4246 • newsc@newsc.org

THANK YOU!

www.RenewOurWaters.org

Thank you!