Storm Drain & Protecting Our Water Sources

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WHAT IS THE STORM DRAIN

Storm water is rainwater, snowmelt, or outdoor garden hose and sprinkler water that runs off of a surface (like yards, driveways, parking lots, or rooftops).  This water makes its way into a gutter, ditch or roadside drain and ultimately via surface or shallow groundwater pathways, into streams, lakes and reservoirs.  Some also seeps into and can impact shallow ground water supplies that alluvial water wells tap into.

WHAT NOT TO PUT IN THE STORM DRAIN

Therefore, any waste products or household chemicals like paint, solvents, antifreeze and used motor oil should NEVER be disposed of into a storm water system.   Do not pour them onto a street or sidewalk thinking they will evaporate.   Their residue remains after the water dries up and will eventually be washed into the storm drain or groundwater when it rains.   Avoid sweeping dirt, grass clippings, leaves or other yard waste into streets where water flow is likely to take this material into a storm drain.  Such material can clog the system and introduce lawn chemicals.   Inevitably, some lawn irrigation water where chemicals can be present will run-off and onto the street.  For this reason, fix broken, poorly aimed or obstructed sprinkler heads.  Do not over-water or use long cycles where runoff is enhanced.  Use minimal amounts of lawn fertilizers and chemicals.  Remember, nitrogen is a key active ingredient in all fertilizers, but it is also a key promoter of unwanted algae that starves off oxygen in rivers and lakes.   So even “organic” and “natural” fertilizes should not be overused as they are still high in nitrogen.

WHERE CAN I TAKE OLD MOTOR OIL and OTHER AUTO FLUIDS

Most auto parts stores and Walmart take old motor oil, transmission fluid and anti-freeze free of charge.  Do not put these items in the household sewer drains, drain onto the ground or dump in storm drains.

CHERRY CREEK STEWARDSHIP PARTNERSHIP

The Cherry Creek Stewardship Partners emerged from the first Cherry Creek watershed forum held in 1999 and have been successful in promoting active stewardship of the Cherry Creek watershed ever since.  The Partners formed in response to the need for cross-jurisdictional coordination and communication on watershed issues such as open space, recreation and water quality in our streams and reservoir.  We are proud to have the time, talent and financial support of individual citizens and representatives from land use jurisdictions, state and federal resource management agencies, conservation, recreation and historic preservation groups and the business community.

CHERRY CREEK BASIN WATER AUTHORITY

The Cherry Creek Basin Water Authority is tasked with benefiting its inhabitants and land owners by preserving water quality in Cherry Creek and Cherry Creek Reservoir; and preserving waters for recreation, fisheries, water supplies, and other beneficial uses. The Authority Board consists of representatives from two counties, eight cities, a representative from special districts that provide water and wastewater treatment in the basin, and seven public representatives appointed by the Governor.