Why are Storm Drains so Important?
Storm drains collect water that flows from parking lots, driveways, roofs and landscaping, directing it to a nearby body of water. If a storm drain is clogged with leaves or debris, excess water cannot flow properly and can contribute to flooding.
Unfortunately, stormwater can easily become contaminated and carry pollutants with it. For instance, excess fertilizer used on a lawn 20 miles away from Lake Erie will wash into a storm drain with rainfall and then flow from local creeks into the lake, where it can cause harmful algae blooms.
How to Reduce Flooding and Prevent Pollution
Find a storm drain. Find a storm drain near your home or business, in a parking lot or on a street where the speed limit is 25 mph or less for your safety.
Keep your storm drain clean. To prevent flooding, check your storm drain (2x a month) and keep the grate free of leaves, sticks, grass clippings, pet waste, and other debris. Leaves, sticks and grass clippings can be composted or bagged for pick-up by your community compost program. Do not leave yard waste bags near the drain!
Report problems with your storm drain. If your drain appears clogged, broken, or is not working in some way, please contact your city or municipal authority. Pouring anything into a drain is not only bad for water quality, it’s illegal in most places.
Report illegal dumping. If you see anyone dump anything into the street or directly into the storm drain – report hazardous or petroleum spills immediately to 911 and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy Pollution Emergency Alert System at (800) 292-4706.
To report non-hazardous suspicious dumping or spills contact the Wayne County 24- Hour Environmental Hotline (888) 223-2363.
DO NOT REMOVE:
• The grate from the drain opening
• Dead animals – instead call animal control
• Dangerous materials like syringes or needles – instead call 911
