Pollution Facts

Polluted stormwater runoff has many adverse effects on plants, fish, animals, and humans. The stormwater system doesn’t connect to the wastewater treatment plant, so anything in the stormwater system ultimately can end up in the bay or Gulf of Mexico. Don't pour oil, grease, pesticides, or other pollutants down storm drains or into the ditches and streams. Our streams and wetlands help moderate flooding and are habitats for fish, frogs, and other species that provide us with recreation or food. Protect them and their homes. 

When stormwater runoff is polluted and washes into swimming areas, it creates health hazards which could result in beach no-swimming advisories.

Plastic bags, bottles, cigarette butts, and other debris can cause choking hazards for birds, fish, turtles, and other wildlife.

Excess nutrients can cause algae blooms and when they die, they decompose and remove oxygen from the water. Fish and other aquatic life struggle to survive with low oxygen levels. Polluted stormwater can affect drinking water sources, causing human health issues and can increase the cost of processing potable water.

Lawn Care Tips

Don’t overwater your lawn- Consider using a soaker hose instead of a sprinkler and add a moisture detector to your automatic sprinkler system so it doesn’t spray when it is raining.

Excess fertilizer and pesticides wash off your lawn and pollute streams. Yard clippings and leaves can contribute foreign nutrients and organic matter to streams and can clog storm drainage pipes.

Potable or well water for irrigation can only be used on the following days: Addresses ending with odd numbers on Thursdays before 8 a.m. and after 6 p.m., and addresses ending in even numbers on Tuesdays, before 8 a.m. and after 6 p.m. Hand watering landscape shrubs is allowed at any time.

New lawns and landscaping may be watered any day of the week during the first 60 days, but must be done before 8 a.m.

Turn yard waste into mulch or compost. Cover piles of dirt or mulch with tarps to keep them from washing away during a heavy rainfall.

Sediment can cloud the water, making it difficult for aquatic plants to grow.

Pollution Solutions

Pet Waste contributes bacteria and excess nutrients to local waters. Always pick up after your pet. The waste may be flushed down the toilet or disposed of in your garbage. This is especially important at Brohard Beach and Paw Park because pet waste can increase bacteria in the Gulf of Mexico. 

Auto Care and Stormwater

Washing your vehicle in your driveway can send detergents into the stormwater system, which will end up in the Gulf of Mexico. It is better to use a commercial car wash that recycles its wastewater. Keep your car in check so leaks do not occur. Paint, oil, and other auto fluids poison aquatic life.

Dispose of batteries and fluids at the Sarasota County Chemical Collection Center at 250 S. Jackson Rd. You can also place sealed jars of oil at the curb on your recycling pick up day.

Stormwater Tips

Clean Driveway Culverts and Front Yard Pipes: It is the responsibility of every homeowner to check to make sure culverts are clear of debris.

Use Rain Barrels: Collect rainwater from rooftops in mosquito-proof containers. This water can then be used for your lawn or flower beds. Native plants can provide a natural place for rainwater to soak into the ground. Rain from rooftops can be diverted to lower or vegetated areas rather than into the stormwater system.

Keep Ditches Clean: Dumping anything into the ditches, inlets, drains, or streams is an illicit discharge and a violation of City Code Section 74-266. If you see any illicit discharge or debris clogging the stormwater system, please call (941)882-7413.