Be Part of the Solution
Reducing polluted runoff isn’t just the Department of Public Works' job. Everyone can be part of the solution to stormwater pollution!
7 helpful practices that you can adopt today
1. Conserve water
Collecting and reusing rain from rooftops, as well as reducing the amount of water used for lawns and gardens, are simple ways to conserve water and reduce runoff (note that rain barrels are now eligible for a stormwater fee credit). Here are some water conservation suggestions:
2. Install stormwater best management practices
Rain gardens and impervious surface removal are two examples of Best Management Practices that residents, businesses, and churches can implement to reduce and treat stormwater runoff. Some of these practices can also save you money on your Stormwater Fee. Additionally, there are organizations that can help you decide what practices might be best. Here are places to get started:
- Single Family Property Stormwater Guidance
- Non-Single Family Property Stormwater Guidance
- Maryland Department of the Environment Stormwater Design Manual
- Blue Water Baltimore
- Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake
3. Use erosion and sediment control practices
Excess sediment (dirt, mud, and sand) can clog pipes, choke stream channels, and reduce the amount of sunlight that underwater plants need to survive. Construction projects are required to install and maintain proper erosion and sediment control practices.
- Contact 311 if you see a problem! You can call, visit 311 online, or use your 311 App.
- Erosion and Sediment Control in Maryland
4. Properly dispose of household hazardous waste
Trash, chemicals, and grease should never be put into your home drains or a storm drain – they can kill fish and plants in our waterways and clog pipes, causing sewage overflows. DPW offers a free hazardous waste drop-off center as well as information on its Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) program.
5. Reduce pesticide and herbicide use
When it rains, pesticides and herbicides can wash off lawns and gardens and into the storm drain. These chemicals can poison fish and create excess nutrients in the Chesapeake. There are options that you can use to reduce the use of chemicals while maintaining a healthy yard and landscaping.
6. Be smart about car maintenance and washing
Oil should never be emptied into a storm drain. Only rain goes down the drain! Also, many detergents used to wash cars contain chemicals that are harmful to waterways. Dispose of oil properly, use biodegradable detergents, and consider using a car wash that treats the wash runoff.
If you see someone emptying oil or other pollutants into a storm drain, contact 311! You can call, visit 311 online or use the 311 App.
7. Dispose of pet waste properly
It’s your dog, it’s your duty. Poop from pets, dogs, in particular, can wash into storm drains when it rains. It’s more than a stinky, unsightly problem; it’s also a health risk to people and to streams and the harbor. Pet waste is a source of bacteria in our waterways. It is also an antidote to the bait that the City uses to control rats. Clean up after your pet by properly disposing of the pet waste.
Get involved! Volunteer with DPW
The DPW Volunteer Network creates civic service opportunities that address critical community needs, litter, illegal dumping, recycling) by fostering advocacy, beautification, cleaning, greening, education and youth service learning.
General information
The following pamphlets and links provide additional information on how you and your neighbors can reduce polluted stormwater runoff.