The next time you walk about your neighborhood, take a moment to notice the storm drains that line the roadways. During each storm event or snow melt, the storm drains capture excess water that runs off the rooftops, yards, driveways, and parking lots, all components of the human environment. The runoff carries with it many pollutants that accompany our modern lifestyles such as motor oil, pesticides & fertilizers, sediment, pet waste, and more.
The storm water containing pollutants then disappear beneath our feet. Where does the storm water go? Many people falsely believe that the water entering the storm drains is conveyed directly to a waste water treatment facility. This is generally not the case. Sprawled beneath our neighborhoods lay an impressive matrix of conveyance pipes whose sole job is to transport storm water as quickly as possible to the nearest creek or river. Ohio streams and rivers almost instantly receive pollutant-laden storm water following almost every storm event.
To constantly serve as a reminder that the storm drains that line the streets are directly connected to our valuable waterways, the Storm Drain Marking Program was developed.
Storm Drain Marking Program Overview
What is Storm Drain Marking?
Volunteers place a permanent marker next to storm drains throughout the community that alerts the public that only rainwater should enter into the storm drains. The markers usually say something like "NO DUMPING- DRAINS TO STREAM".
Why Mark Storm Drains?
Because we all value clean water, whether it is to replenish our body or to nourish our spirit.
In cities throughout the Mahoning River Watershed, rainwater washes motor oil, antifreeze, paint, cigarette butts, yard waste, herbicides, pesticides, and plastic litter from our neighborhood streets and litter from our neighborhood streets and lawns into the storm drains. These pollutants are directly deposited into our streams NOT the wastewater treatment plant. The marking of the storm drains alerts the public to keep the storm drains free of pollution and litter that spoils the water for both people and wildlife.
Who Benefits from Storm Drain Marking?
All people as well as our wildlife friends benefit from the clean litter-free rainwater that replenishes our streams, rivers, and reservoirs.
Local governments experience a reduction in maintenance costs used to remove litter from storm drains and it helps communities meet environmental directives, thereby avoiding possible penalties.
Local economies benefit by attracting and retaining businesses whose employees value a clean environment in which to live and recreate.
Who Can Mark Storm Drains?
School groups, 4-H clubs, girl and boy scout troops, faith groups, civic clubs such as the Women's League, Rotary and Kiwanis, Crime Watch groups, and environmental clubs can all participate in the ongoing improvement and protection of one of our most precious elements of life...water.
A storm drain marking project can be a rewarding experience for everyone! So become involved today.
Read About Local Efforts:
Boy Scout Troop 101
Howland Students
What You Can Do to Reduce Non-Point-Source Pollution
Who To Contact:
Eastgate Regional Council of Governments
100 E. Federal Street, Suite 1000
Youngstown, Ohio 44503
(330) 779-3800
Mahoning County Soil & Water Conservation District
850 Industrial Road
Youngstown, OH 44509
(330) 740-7995
Environmental Education Council of Ohio
District 12 Office
Austintown Township Parks
82 Ohltown Road
Austintown, Ohio 44515
(330) 793-0718
Trumbull County Soil & Water Conservation District
520W. Main Street, Suite 3
Cortland, Ohio 44410
Phone: (330) 637-2056 Ext. 101
Mahoning River Consortium
P.O. Box 1149
Warren, Ohio 44484
(330) 675-2529
Alliance for Watershed Action and Riparian Easements (AWARE)
7574 Columbiana-Canfield Road
Canfield, OH 44406
(330) 702-3000
