Storm Drains

Rain in the Drain Goes into the Bay

Most streets have a 3-4 foot opening along the curb called the "storm drain." Storm drains carry away excess rainwater to prevent street flooding. Some drains have a grate in front of the opening to prevent garbage from entering.

Storm Drain Water is Untreated

Unlike the water that goes down your home drain to the sewer, water flowing into storm drains is not treated or filtered for pollutants. If it is contaminated, it stays polluted.

Any material on the street, such as leaves, oil, antifreeze or gasoline will be mixed with rainwater as it goes into the storm drain.

Contaminated water flows into creeks, bayous, then into Galveston Bay and finally the Gulf of Mexico. Anything, other than pure rainwater, is a potential contaminant to water quality.

How Can You Help?

Do not put anything into a storm drain; no leaves, trash or pet waste. It will clog the drain and cause your street to flood.Never pour anything into street gutters or storm drains. Putting liquids into the drains is dangerous to the environment and is ILLEGAL.

Avoid using excessive fertilizers, weed killers and yard products. Clean up all chemicals in your front yard. If not, rainwater run-off will carry the chemicals into the storm drain.

For more information please visit: ww.CleanWaterways.org