Cactus Village Community

Reduce pollution — Keep Your Neighborhood’s Storm Drains Clean

Jul 19, 2003

The city of Phoenix storm drainage system collects and carries rain water from city streets to rivers and washes. Unfortunately, it isn?’t always water flowing through these drains.

It?’s tempting to use city streets and storm drains to dump unwanted household chemicals, swimming pool water and trash such as cans, bottles, yard clippings and automotive products.

Although most people do not intentionally pollute storm drains, many do not realize that these products, if not disposed of properly, can destroy the natural beauty of neighborhoods and deserts, and pollute washes, rivers and underground water -tables. For example, a single-quart of oil poured down a storm drain can contaminate as much as 250,000 gallons of water.

You can help by properly disposing of chemicals and trash. Avoid watering the lawn or using chemicals when rain or wind is in the forecast. Also, choose cleaning products that are biodegradable or look for safer alternatives to chemicals.

If you would like to report storm drain dumping, or if you?’d like more information on what you can do to reduce storm water pollution, call the Street Transportation Department, Storm Water Management Section at 602-256-3190 (602-495- 0334 for assistance in Spanish). . . ☻