Storm water runoff from urban areas can carry pollutants and trash into the storm water drainage system. Water that flows down the drains in our homes first goes to sewage treatment facilities before it's released to bayous and rivers. But, water that flows into our storm water drainage system, along with other substances it collects, goes directly into our bayous, rivers, and ultimately into Galveston Bay.
Unlike sewage, storm water receives no treatment!
SWIM Program
To prevent further pollution of our waterways Stormwater Management Joint Task Force (Harris County, City of Houston, HC Flood Control, and Texas Department of Transportation) initiated Storm Water Inlet Markers (SWIM) program.
Markers bearing the JTF's Clean Water Clear Choice logo and a message stating "No Dumping, Flows to Galveston Bay" are placed on storm drains to remind citizens not to dump pollutants into storm sewers or contribute to ordinary storm water runoff by littering, over-fertilizing, or sweeping yard debris into the street.
The program is open to any individual, group or community that would like to participate. The goal is: marking every storm drain in Harris County in order to prevent pollution from entering our local waterways. Developers can also propose installing SWIM markers as part of their Storm Water Quality Management Plan.
Much of the pollution in area creeks and bayous comes from common, every-day materials, like household chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides, gasoline, used motor oil and antifreeze and litter. These substances run off into storm drain inlets by rainwater from our streets, yards, driveways and parking lots.
For more information, visit Clean Water Clear Choice website or call 713.290.3000
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)
Some jobs around the home may require the use of products containing hazardous components. Such products include certain paints, stains and varnishes; cleaners, polishes; automotive products, pesticides and fertilizers. Even certain electronics such as televisions and computer monitors contain hazardous components. Household hazardous waste includes items that have the words "warning," "danger," "toxic," "corrosive," "irritant," "flammable" or "caution" on their labels. These items become "household hazardous waste" (HHW) when they are no longer usable or no longer wanted.
When HHW is disposed of in the trash, it can contaminate landfills, and subsequently, our groundwater. When dumped onto the ground or poured into the storm sewer, HHW can contaminate surface water. In either case, water contamination results in higher water treatment costs and has a detrimental effect on the ecosystem.
The average American household generates 15 pounds of HHW annually. Our homes contain an average of three to eight gallons of hazardous materials in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and workshops. The best strategy to relieve the environmental impact of household hazardous waste on our waterways and landfills is to implement the four "Rs": Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rebuy and use less toxic alternatives to hazardous household products.
For information on City of Houston and Harris County HHV programs, visit Clean Water Clear Choice website.
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