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2
Storm drains are common throughout urban areas. They convey storm water directly to the nearest stream without going through any treatment process. This is key to understanding why urban areas contribute a great deal to the Non-Point Source pollution problem.
3
By many urban residents, the storm drain is seen as merely a drain for discarding used oil, antifreeze, old paint, pesticides and household hazardous wastes. Just one quart of oil can pollute 250,000 gallons of water. Fluids leaking from ill maintained vehicles also goes right into the drains during a rain storm.
4
Excessive amounts of fertilizer and pesticides are used in urban areas. Very few people actually measure what they need. They just buy a couple of bags and keep spreading until it is all gone. The excess amounts runs off in storm water.
Take soil samples to determine fertility needs. Always read and follow label instructions before applying and pesticide.
5
One of the best ways to reduce the need for fertilizer, pesticides and many high maintenance needs around the home is to adopt concepts. Planning your landscaping to use grasses, trees and shrubs that require less water and other inputs to survive. Using mulches and more permanent tree and shrub planting to reduce mowing needs. Have you ever thought about fertilizing your lawn every other year? These are all concepts.
6
Streams running through urban areas become dumping grounds for tires, discarded containers, shopping carts and all kinds of trash. Each item diminishes the quality of water.
7
One sign of elevated nutrient levels in water is excessive vegetative growth. One source of this often times in urban areas is the result of sewage treatment plant discharge and failing individual septic systems. These sewage plants must be operated at top efficiency and individual septic systems repaired.
8
Unchecked soil erosion is a serious problem in urban areas. Just think, each home site can loses one or two dump truck loads of soil. The soil ends up in streams and rivers reducing the quality of the water.
For a more in depth discussion of this problem, view one of our other slide shows under (Soil Resources - In Urban Areas)