Storm Drains Are Not Trash Cans

In Dallas, storm water does not get cleaned or treated before it flows into creeks, rivers, and lakes. When it rains, storm water runoff picks up trash and pollutants and carries them through the storm drain system directly into our creeks, rivers, and lakes, polluting our waterways. Because storm water runoff is not treated, lawn chemicals such as herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers, when present in storm water runoff, can cause adverse conditions in our aquatic ecosystems.

When herbicides are inappropriately applied and are carried in the storm water runoff, they can enter a water body. Once in the creek, lake or river, these chemicals can kill aquatic plants, such as cattails and water lilies, in the same manner that they kill weeds. With the loss of these plants, wildlife and aquatic animals lose sources of food and shelter.

If pesticides are present in a waterway, they can kill beneficial aquatic insects such as dragonfly nymphs and mayfly nymphs. Once aquatic insect populations begin to decline, the animals that depend on them for food will be adversely affected, and can die from lack of food.

As a result of fertilizer contamination, algal blooms can develop in water bodies. Algae, with their rapid growth rate, can easily outgrow their habitats and encroach on habitats of other organisms, block out sunlight for aquatic plants, and deplete the ' oxygen concentration in the water that aquatic animals need to survive.

Pollution from lawn chemicals can have adverse effects on our leisure water activities, including fishing and swimming. Additionally, most of the water we drink comes from reservoir lakes. As waterways become more polluted, more time and money is spent at water treatment plants on treatment processes to make the water safe for human consumption.

How you can help

By following the lawn care guidelines below, Dallasites will protect our creeks, rivers, and lakes for present and future generations.

• Follow the manufacturer's directions when applying herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers; avoid over application.
• Check the weather forecast before applying; avoid applying lawn chemicals on windy days and before a rain event.
• Choose native plants, because they require less lawn chemicals and water.
• Dispose of unwanted lawn chemicals properly at the Dallas County Home Chemical Collection Center (HC3); phone number 214-553-1765.

Visit our web site at www.wheredoesitgo.com.

Dispose of household toxic waste safely

Dallas residents have two options for proper disposal of household toxic waste.

Bring your unwanted waste to a collection day event. All Dallas residents can participate, free of charge, at any collection event held in Dallas County. For a schedule of events, please call 214-904-3017. Events are also advertised in the newspaper.

The Home Chemical Collection Center (H3C) accepts unwanted household toxic waste Monday through Saturday. Call 214-630-9160 for hours of operation and directions.

To dispose of waste at a collection event or at the H3C, you must bring a photo identification and a recent utility bill to verify residency. There is no cost for Dallas residents.

We're marking storm drains in your neighborhood

Markers are now being installed on all storm drains in Dallas. The markers are reminders that storm drains empty into the nearest creek, lake or the Trinity River.

Marking storm drains is also required by the city's storm water permit, issued by the Environmental Protection Agency.

The marker was chosen for its durability, ease of installation, cost and attractiveness. Other large cities in Texas are successfully using this type of marker.

Your organization or school can help install markers

Looking for a community service project? Help us install markers in your area. You'll be serving your community while helping us get the project done sooner.

Installing the markers is fast and easy. We will supply your group with all the materials needed and host a short training session at your location. We do ask that your group commits to marking a minimum of 15 storm drains. Children under the age of 18 will require permission from a parent as well as adult supervision.

For more information, please call 214-670-5000. Press option 5, and leave your name and daytime phone number. Or write us at the address on the back of this brochure and mark the envelope "Drain Marking Project."

Are you trashing your creek?

Trash and other things dumped into storm drains don't disappear. They end up in the nearest creek, lake or the Trinity River.

Rain and water runoff (including runoff from watering your yard) carries pollutants -- pesticides, fertilizers, oil on the street, grass clippings, trash -- into the storm drain system.

This water runoff doesn't get treated and cleaned. Instead, it most likely empties into a creek in your neighborhood.

Protect your creeks and your neighborhood. Report water polluters by calling 214-670-5000.