Did You Know?

Today's information comes from Mark Coddington, storm drain specialist, via the March edition of the American Fork City Employee newsletter.

What Is Storm Water?

Storm water is water from rain, snow, sleet, or hail that flows across the ground and pavement or when snow and ice melt. The water seeps into the ground or drains into what we call the storm drain system. These are the drains you see at street corners, catch basins, detention/retention basins, irrigation canals, creeks, and the American Fork River. Collectively, the draining water is called storm water runoff and is a concern in all areas of American Fork including residential, commercial, industrial and roadway areas of unincorporated portions of our City.

Why Is This Program Necessary?

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, 40 percent of our nation's waterways remain polluted and storm water runoff is a leading source. Storm water pollution can occur when it rains, or as oil, salt, litter, soil, fertilizer and pesticides are washed into nearby street drains. Most of these drains empty directly into the streams an drivers that we use for fishing, swimming and boating, and result in unusable and polluted waterways.

Do Your Part!

• Clean up after your pet.
• Clean up spills immediately.
• Fertilize only your yard, not your driveway or sidewalk.
• Wash your car on the lawn or at a commercial car wash.
• Sweep your driveway and sidewalk; don't hose them down.
• Dispose of old paint, pesticides, solvents, and batteries appropriately.
• Compost yard waste such as grass clippings, tree trimmings and leaves.