City reminding residents: only rain in the storm drain
-
Share on Facebook
-
Share on Bluesky
-
Share on X
- Copy Link
As residents work in their yards and gardens over the summer, they’re reminded that what goes on their lawns – or spills off them – will end up in the Red Deer River, untreated.
As rainfall runoff flows across sidewalks, driveways, grass and asphalt, City officials note that it picks up pollutants and carries them into the storm drain. Hazardous substances spilled, dumped, or left on the ground are washed into the stormwater collection system and the river. Officials remind residents that these materials harm our local environment and pollute our source of drinking water. They also add to the need to treat local drinking water during spring run-off.
City officials say everything that enters a storm drain goes directly into the Red Deer River, untreated by the Wastewater Treatment Plant. It’s highlighted that anything other than rain or snow can pollute our watershed, harm aquatic habitat, create a potential public health concern or generate unpleasant odours after entering a storm drain (also called a catch basin).
“Many people don’t realize that the actions they take to care for their yards can affect our river and harm the environment,” says Lauren Maris, Environmental Programs Specialist, in a press release. “There are many small changes residents can make that will impact the cost and difficulty in treating our source of drinking water.”
