The City's storm drain system was designed to divert stormwater to the many creeks and streams found Arlington. As stormwater flows over yards and impervious surfaces like driveways, streets, roofs and parking lots it picks up pollutants and transports them to these same creeks and streams.

These pollutants can have a negative effect on local water quality, harm wildlife and increase treatment costs. The dumping of yard waste and other debris can also lead to blockages which can back up stormwater into the streets possibly damaging homes, businesses and other structures when we have rain events. Here are five pollutants residents can look out for to keep our creeks and streams clean throughout Arlington:

1. Nutrients and Organic Matter:

Animal, yard and garden waste, soil, and products such as fertilizer contain nitrogen and phosphorus which accelerate algae growth in local waterways. This plant growth and the resulting decomposing organic matter consumes oxygen, which can harm aquatic organisms and disrupt life in streams, creeks and lakes.

2. Chemicals:

Pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers from lawn and garden maintenance; detergents, oils and grease from washing our cars; heavy metals from batteries, paints, and fuels along with other petroleum by-products are all toxic substances that can be harmful to aquatic, terrestrial and human life.

3. Bacteria and Viruses:

Disease causing organisms found in human, pet and other animal waste can contaminate water. Picking up and disposing of pet waste and preventing sanitary sewer backups and overflows will help prevent these pollutants from entering local waterways.

4. Sediment:

Sediment clouds water and reduces sunlight for the aquatic plants that provide habitat and oxygen for fish. Sediments fill in the spaces between rocks in creek or stream beds and damages fish spawning habitat as well as habitat for other aquatic life. Sediments also carry other pollutants such as nutrients, oil and grease which can lead to long term water quality issues.

5. Litter:

Trash, debris and other litter not disposed of properly often ends up in streams and lakes diminishing their natural beauty. This debris can harm fish and aquatic wildlife, hinders sunlight penetration and interferes with fish and wildlife movement which degrades natural habitat.

For more information about stormwater pollutants and their prevention, please visit Stormwater Management's website.