Fine dirt particles become suspended in water and can clog fish gills. Then the dirt settles out, it can cover spawning areas. Pollutants, such as fertilizer, grease, and pesticides attach to dirt particles which enter the storm system along with the dirt.

Grass and leaves repeatedly swept or washed into the storm drains can become a breeding ground for rodents and insects and can clog drains, causing localized flooding. Plant matter washed into bodies of water deprives aquatic life of oxygen as well. Soil is easily washed into storm drains when it rains and is a serious problem at many construction areas. This sediment clouds water and destroys aquatic habitats.

Unlikely, they have special claws and can withstand the most vigorous scrubbing. Unfortunately you cannot make an attractive head unattractive by washing alone, all you will get is a very clean attractive head!

Local ordinances prohibit anything other than uncontaminated rain water from entering the storm drain system. Never pour anything into a gutter, street or storm drain.

Hurricane Isabel in 2003 caused waves to wash out parts of highway 12 all over the Outer Banks, and created a small series of inlets on Hatteras Island. It was the most powerful storm to hit the Outer Banks since the pier opened in 1977.

Its purpose is to prevent flooding of streets and highways by quickly and efficiently transferring rain water into creeks, and eventually the South San Francisco Bay.

Once it is completely dry, the product will not wash away. The color might fade after a few days in the sun and can be reapplied.

Authorized discharges to the storm drain include rain, irrigation runoff, air conditioning condensate, fire system flushing, and groundwater. Rainwater that has collected in sumps, vaults and containments needs to be monitored and documented at the time of discharge. Only water that will not adversely impact San Francisquito Creek can be designated as an authorized discharge no matter the source.

Report any suspicious discharge to security if it appears that it could or did enter the storm drain system. Security will then contact the appropriate response personnel.

The stormwater permit allows the discharge of some domestic water in the form of irrigation runoff and fire system flushing. In general, discharge of domestic water should be minimized. Large volumes should not be discharged to the storm drain without de-chlorination. Domestic water is now being disinfected with chloramines, a chemical that is extremely toxic to fish.

There are two types of storm drain system fees: the Storm Drainage Connection Fee and the Storm Sewer Service Charge. The Storm Drainage Connection Fee is essentially a one time fee that is assessed when a piece of property is first developed and is based on the type of usage planned for the property. If the property is subsequently redeveloped to a significantly different usage, an additional fee may be assessed.

Heavy metals paint thinner and paint products, motor oil, pesticides, fertilizers, human and animal feces, antifreeze, and dead animals - are all but a few examples of the pollutants typically found in the storm drain system.

Storm Drains Design at 410-887-3711 can provide information regarding design and scheduling of projects prior to construction. The Construction Contracts Administration at 410-887-3461 can provide information regarding construction status of a project.

Everyone should be concerned about stormwater quality becuase what we put down the storm drain ends up in locations used for drinking water and recreation areas. Everyone lives downstream from someone.

Call 3-1-1, the Anonymous City of Houston Neighborhood Protection Complaint line. Or call the City of Houston Environmental Health Info. Line and Industrial Discharges at 713-640-4399. Or call Harris County Environmental Public Health at 713-920-2831.

Paint thinner and paint products, motor oil, pesticides, Styrofoam cups, paper, human and animal feces, antifreeze, golf balls, dirty diapers and dead animals are but a few of the pollutants found in the system on a daily basis.

A catch basin or storm drain is a curbside drain with the sole function of collecting rainwater from our properties and streets, and sending it, via underground piping, to local waterways. Storm drains can also be found in parking lots and serve the same purpose. In the City of Stockton and surrounding County areas, that water never goes to the sewer treatment plant to be cleaned, but flows directly into our creeks, sloughs, rivers and the Delta.

Under a contract which began Aug. 1, 2003, the City has a signed agreement OMI Thames Water Stockton, to maintain the municipal sewer system and the storm drain system.

Motor oil, other auto fluids, pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides, trash, paint products, pet waste, leaves, grass clippings, soapy water from washing vehicles in driveways and parking lots, are but a few of the pollutants found in the system.

Use landscaping fabric that holds back particles but allows water to pass over the holes or gravel in the bottom of the container before adding the planting mix. Material is available in large rolls from landscaping or irrigation suppliers.

Hurricane season on the Gulf Coast runs from June to October. A true hurricane brings torrential rains and winds upwards of 74 mph, but New Orleans itself has only been affected by tropical depressions and storms in recent years. During its long history, the Quarter has survived hurricanes that have leveled other parts of the city due to being built on a high ridge along the Mississippi River.

Absolutely! Tanning is a process that can take up to 24 hours to develop. You can not "wash" away your tan, unless you are using a self tanner, shaving right away, or exfoliating.

Obtain the appropriate MSDS and determine what, if any, are the hazardous ingredients. Go to the "Water Quality Regulations" page under the "Regulatory Assistance" section for requirements provided under the Federal Clean Water Act and for requirements provided by each state for discharge limits. Also check with your local water authority to ensure the local limits are not more stringent. If more stringent, it could supersede the State requirements.

Contact the City's Environmental Services Division at (661) 286-4098 or Stormwater Hotline at (661) 222-7222.