Government > Departments > Water and Water Supply > Storm Water

STORMWATER

What is stormwater?

Stormwater is water from rain or melting snow that doesn't soak into the ground but runs off into waterways. It flows from rooftops, over paved areas and bare soil, and through sloped lawns while picking up a variety of materials on its way. As it flows, stormwater runoff collects and transports soil, animal waste, salt, pesticides, fertilizers, oil and grease, debris, garbage and other potential pollutants. In some areas of the city, this pollutant heavy runoff is discharged untreated directly into our streams and rivers through the separate storm sewer system.

Why should we care?

Polluted runoff degrades our lakes, rivers, wetlands and other waterways. Transported soil clouds the waterways and interferes with the habitat of fish and plant life. Nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen can promote the overgrowth of algae, deplete oxygen in the waterway and be harmful to other aquatic life. Toxic chemicals from automobiles, sediment from construction activities and careless application of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers threaten the health of the receiving waterway and can kill fish and other aquatic life. Bacteria from animal wastes and illicit connections to sewerage systems can make nearby lakes and bays unsafe for wading, swimming and other recreational activities.

What can we do to help?

Most pollution can be prevented before it ever enters the sewer system or the waters themselves. By taking some precautionary steps, we can do a great deal to help clean up our waterways. Here are some tips to prevent pollution.

Lawn Care

• Use fertilizers & pesticides sparingly and according to the directions.
• Do not fertilize if rain is forecasted within the next 48 hours.
• Seed any exposed soil to prevent it from being carried away in runoff.

Vehicle Care

• Wash your car at a commercial car wash, or on your lawn where the soil can filter the dirty and soapy water.
• Check under your vehicle for leaks or spills.
• Clean up any oil or chemical spills with an absorbent material like cat litter or sand.
• Never dispose of oil or other engine fluids down the storm drain, on the ground, or into a ditch.

Pet Waste Disposal

• Pet waste contains coliform bacteria which creates health risks for people.
• Scoop it up and flush it down the toilet.
• Turn your animal waste into compost.

Swimming Pools

• Test the water to ensure no chlorine is detected before you drain your pool.
• Drain your pool onto the lawn slowly to prevent erosion.

Rooftops

• Collect roof water in rain barrels and reuse it to water your lawn or garden.
• Direct gutter downspouts into a vegetated area or a rain garden where it can be filtered through the soil.

Where can I find more information?

This webpage is currently in the process of being updated to include all the stormwater information. To find out more information about the city’s stormwater program or report an illegal dumping, you can contact our stormwater contact at the following:

Justin Schievelbein

Stormwater Program Coordinator

(518) 434-5304

stormwater@ci.albany.ny.us