What is stormwater? Why is it so important?
Stormwater is precipitation that drains into our city stormwater sewers. It should never be anything but clean water. These sewers lead directly into waterways such as the Maumee River, Ottawa River, Swan Creek and all of their tributaries.
Is There a Difference Between a Storm Sewer and a Sanitary Sewer?
Yes. The sanitary sewer and the storm sewer are two completely separate drainage systems. The sewer system, or sanitary wastewater system, takes all household wastewater from toilets showers, and routes it through your plumbing system into a water treatment facility. Once there, it receives three levels of filtration treatment before being discharged. The storm water system, on the other hand, is intended to route rainwater quickly off impervious surfaces.
How does a construction site contribute to stormwater compliance?
Construction sites can contribute sediment to our local streams. Construction sites are encouraged to use Best Management Practices (BMP) to minimize sediment and erosion. To ensure compliance with our National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit some construction sites must apply for a general stormwater permit.
What can I do?
Public Involvement: The public plays a vital role in improving the quality of our waterways. Several avenues exist for citizens to participate. We have serveral ways to keep updated on local events within the City of Toledo and through our partners. Events are listed on the City of Toledo website in the upcoming events calendar, through our partners websites, or contact Environmental Services for more information.
How can I learn more?
Public Outreach and Education: Water Resources personnel feel that an informed community, made up of the general public and industry and government leaders, is essential in order to create and maintain conditions necessary for clean water. Water Resources personnel take an active role in civic and professional organizations including the Partners for Clean Streams, the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), Construction Contractor Training, Storm Drain Stenciling Days, Clean Your Streams, and Rain Garden Initiative. Personnel also give presentations to numerous school and community groups as well as to industrial trade organizations and government employees and leaders. Yearly participation in Bowling Green State University, Toledo Zoological Gardens, Owens Community College, and University of Toledo Earth Day celebrations, as well as the Maumee Bay Watershed Student Congress, Clean Your Streams, and serving as judges at local science fairs are all part of the public outreach efforts of the Water Resources Section. If your group would like to schedule a presentation about water pollution prevention, please call or write to set a date and time.