Oklahoma officials hope storm drain message sticks

out of stormwater

Don’t: Overfertilize your lawn or use fertilizer improperly. Rainwater carries fertilizer into creeks and rivers where it creates algae that sap the waters’ oxygen.

Instead: Use only as much fertilizer as you need and closely follow instructions for applying it to a lawn.

Don’t: Drain your pool into stormwater drains. The chemicals in a pool are dangerous for fish, frogs and local plants living in creeks and rivers.

Instead: Use pool water to water your lawn or drain it somewhere it won’t get into stormwater drains.

Don’t: Wash your car in the driveway. Cleaning chemicals that run into storm drains, like pool chemicals, are harmful to wildlife.

Instead: Wash your car at a car wash. Drains at a car wash filter harsh chemicals before they can make their way into stormwater.

Don’t: Dump motor oil or other hazardous waste into storm drains. It is extremely dangerous for wildlife and can carry a fine of up to $700.

Instead: Use the city’s household hazardous waste disposal facility at 1621 S Portland Ave. It’s free for city residents who bring a utility bill to show residency.

Source: City of Oklahoma City