City of Horseshoe Bay #1 Community Drive   PO Box 7765, Horseshoe Bay, Texas 78657 830-598-8741
Official Website of the City of Horseshoe Bay, Texas

 

STORM WATER POLLUTION

 

The City of Horseshoe Bay works to prevent pollution of our creeks and lake from stormwater and urban runoff through public education. What is storm water runoff? Storm water runoff is water that flows after a rainfall. During rainstorms, water drains off driveways, parking lots and streets picking up pollutants while flowing to the storm sewer system.  Once storm water enters the storm sewer system of inlets, pipes or channels, it flows downstream to the nearest creek, lake or river. What is urban runoff? Urban runoff also flows to the storm sewer system.  Urban runoff is water from irrigation, overwatering, car washing and other sources that travel into the street picking up pollutants.

What is the difference between the storm sewer system and sanitary sewer system? The water that goes down the sanitary sewer system (from sinks or toilets) flows to a wastewater treatment plant where it is treated and filtered prior to entering any water bodies. The stormwater and urban runoff water that flows down driveways and streets and into the storm sewer system flows directly to our creeks, lakes and rivers.  Anything that enters a storm sewer system is discharged untreated into the water bodies we use for swimming, fishing and providing drinking water. The effects of pollution Polluted storm water runoff can have many adverse effects on plants, fish, animals and people. Sediment can cloud the water and make it difficult or impossible for aquatic plants to grow. Sediment also can destroy aquatic habitat.  Bacteria and other pathogens can wash into swimming areas and create health hazards.     Excess nutrients can cause algae blooms. When algae die, they sink to the bottom and decompose in a process that removes oxygen from the water. Fish and other aquatic organisms can’t exist in water with low dissolved oxygen levels.     Household hazardous wastes like insecticides, pesticides, paint, solvents, grease, used motor oil and other auto fluids can poison aquatic life. Land animals and people can become sick or die from eating diseased fish or ingesting polluted water. Debris—plastic bags, six-pack rings, bottles and cigarette butts—washed into creeks and water bodies can choke, suffocate, or disable aquatic life like ducks, fish, turtles and birds. Polluted storm water often affects drinking water sources. This, in turn, can affect human health and increase drinking water treatment costs.     What can you do to help? To report illegal dumping into our storm drains or waterways, contact the City at 830-598-8741. The largest source of storm water pollution are pollutants such as litter, pet waste, pesticides, fertilizers, leaves and yard clippings and automotive leaks and spills. These materials are swept away with the storm water and produce what is referred to as non-point source pollution. Harmful bacteria, chemicals, sediment and litter enters or blocks the storm drain and leads to flooding, impaired water quality and endangers the health and habitat of local wildlife.   Stormwater Pollution Prevention Tips You can help prevent storm water water pollution in your own backyard by following these easy tips. To report any illegal dumping into our storm drainage or waterways, contact the City at  830-598-8741.   Don't wash your car in the driveway Washing your car at home not only uses more gallons of water than a commercial car wash, but it also introduces soap, oil and engine grime to the environment.  The dirty water and soap wash off your car, flow down your driveway, down the street, into a curb inlet and end up in a nearby creek.  Detergents in our creeks and ponds pose a very real threat to our fish.  Use a commercial car wash instead.  However, if you must wash your car at home, these tips will help minimize pollution:  try using just water and a rag; use only minimal amounts of soap; use a spray release nozzle for your hose to reduce water use and runoff into the street.     Use household chemicals wisely Pesticides and fertilizers pollute our neighborhood creeks, rivers and lakes when they are applied incorrectly, disposed of improperly or run off into curbs and storm drains during heavy rains or over-watering.  To protect our water: Don't use garden chemicals when rain is expected Follow directions carefully; using more than recommended won't work any faster Use pesticides and herbicides that relate only to the bug or problem you're trying to correct Never pour garden chemicals down a storm drain, manhole, toilet or household drain or let them run off your lawn into the street. Consider less toxic alternatives to pesticides, cleaners and other items. Correctly dispose of leftover garden chemicals by taking them to the Annual Household Hazardous Waste collection events in  Burnet and Llano Counties.     Practice dry cleanup methods Instead of hosing down your driveway or sidewalk, use a broom to sweep up waste.  For oil spills use a product such as cat litter to absorb the oil, then sweep up the litter and place it in your trash.       Don't dump it! Never pour paint, used oil or other chemicals into the street or down a storm drain!  If you have usable leftover items, share them with family or neighbors.  Used oil, old paint and other household chemicals may not be placed in your trash for collection.  Dispose of them for free at the Annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection event.   Clean up after your pets Pet waste left on the ground will wash into creeks and lakes the next time it rains, contributing harmful bacteria, parasites and viruses to our waterways. It's important to clean up after your pets whenever they make the waste in your backyard or while out on a walk.  Flush it down the toilet or wrap it in a plastic bag to be disposed of with the normal trash.    Remember that "every little bit hurts" Litter is a significant source of stormwater pollution. Litter and debris cause storm drain blockages that lead to flooding, impair water quality as well as the aesthetic and recreational value of waters, and may also be a hazard to wildlife.  Litter washes down the street during a rain shower, goes into the storm drain system and ends up in our neighborhood creeks, rivers and lakes. And it stays there a long time.  Cigarette butts can take 25 years to break down because of the plastic filters. Plastic six-pack rings can take 450 years to break down. A glass bottle will take 1,000 years to break down. Keep a litterbag in your car and make sure that cargo in the bed of your pickup is secured! Never sweep or blow leaves or lawn clippings into a storm drain inlet. Sweep them up and bring them to the City of Horseshoe Bay Recycling Center located FM 2831 (Blue Lake Road) or bag them and dispose of with normal trash.

Information and photo sources  - City of Round Rock

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