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TextStorm Drain Education
Storm drains and the Chesapeake Bay
Storm drains are located throughout the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay watersheds. A watershed is an area of land that drains into a common body of water. Fairfax County is situated in the center of the Bay watershed. What we do in our yards and communities affects the Bay through the storm drainage system.
When it rains, the water running along the gutters in the street vanishes down storm drains. Where does the water go? The water in a storm drain does not go to a wastewater treatment plant like many people assume. This water drains into a local stream, which feeds into a river, and eventually empties into the Bay. Nothing is removed from the water. That means pet waste, yard debris, fertilizer, motor oil, pesticides and trash all have the potential to flow into the Bay.
Pollution that enters our water resources through the storm drains is called nonpoint source pollution because it comes from all our homes and communities. Nonpoint source pollution is the leading cause of water quality deterioration in the Chesapeake Bay.
What can you do?
Storm drain labeling is an effective, low-cost method of educating residents about water quality problems in our streams, lakes, rivers and the Bay. NVSWCD is currently recruiting volunteers to conduct storm drain labeling projects.
The primary objective of each project is to inform the public about the dangers of dumping anything into a storm drain. Each project will also educate residents about nonpoint source pollution prevention.NVSWCD provides the materials; volunteers provide the legwork needed to educate residents and label the storm drains. Groups that may wish to participate include homeowner and civic associations, scout and youth groups, school groups or conservation/environmental groups. Individuals and families are also welcome to volunteer.
Do you want to share information about this volunteer opportunity with others? Download a promotional flier.
What's involved in a storm drain labeling project?
Step-by-step guide to storm drain education projects.
Projects have three general components. Project leaders will:
- Organize the project, including obtaining the approval of the local homeowner's or civic association and recruiting additional volunteers.
- Educate the community about nonpoint source pollution. Project leaders can write an article for a community newsletter and/or place fliers on doors of homes in the project vicinity to explain the connnection between storm drains and our streams.
- Label the storm drains with a "No Dumping" message. Groups will use pre-printed plastic markers and adhesive to label the storm drains.
NVSWCD will help you every step of the way!
To schedule a volunteer project orientation or for questions, e-mail the program coordinator or call 703-324-1423, TTY 711. More detailed information about these projects is also available in NVSWCD's step-by-step guide to storm drain education projects.
The Fairfax County Storm Drain Education Program is
a joint venture of Fairfax County, the Virginia Department of
Transportation - Northern Virginia District and NVSWCD.
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