Solution to Stormwater Pollution

Are you aware that there is a difference between storm drains and sewers? Sewers carry sewage "black water" that comes from toilets and other household drains. It is sent, via underground pipes, to treatment plants. Typically, you do not see these pipes or openings.

Storm drains lead to a separate pipe system. Openings are visible from the street. They are designed to route rain runoff into large pipes that lead directly to major ditches, ponds, creeks and lakes. There is no treatment or filtering of this water before it reaches them.

Storm drains provide a direct route for non-point source pollutants like grass clippings, leaves, fertilizer, oil and pet waste to flow into our rivers, lakes and streams.

  1. Blue Thumb Guide to Raingardens
  2. Minnesota Stormwater Manual
  3. Stormwater Pollution
  4. Stormwater Pollution Solutions
  5. Lawn Care 101

New Blue Thumb Guide To Raingardens Available!

Have you ever wondered what to plant in that low spot in your backyard where the grass won't grow because water puddles there after it rains? Or how to fix the erosion gully where rainwater drains away from your downspout? Well, there may be an easy, attractive solution! Try planting a raingarden.

A raingarden is a garden with a depression that is designed to catch rainwater runoff in your yard, growing plants that don't mind getting flooded on occasion. Raingardens provide wildlife habitat and an opportunity to create beautiful landscaping. And, by soaking up rain where it falls, raingardens slow stormwater runoff, help prevent erosion and remove pollutants in the process.

You may purchase a copy of a detailed, step-by-step guide from the Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD) for $18. For more information, visit www.BlueThumb.org or call the RCWD at 763-398-3078.