Polluted Runoff
Why Should You Care?
Toxic chemical contamination is a threat to human and wildlife health and negatively impacts the local economy.
Fish concerns: Fish consumption advisories are issued because some species in Puget Sound are contaminated with persistent toxic chemicals such as mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and other chemicals.
Environmental effects: The loss of the stunning and vibrant life of Puget Sound, the economic engine for our state.
Economic impacts: Significant declines of fisheries, both commercial and recreational, have occurred in Puget Sound
Low Impact Development as Part of the Solution
Low Impact Development (LID) is a method of development that uses natural systems to conserve water, manage runoff, and keep pollution out of our waterways.
Essentially LID is a way of creating an onsite sponge to soak up as much rainwater as possible so that it stays in place and slowly soaks in and therefore doesn’t runoff to our waterways. This mimics the natural condition of our forests.
Examples of LID techniques:
- Retaining as much of native vegetation and soil when beginning construction
- Building rain gardens to manage onsite storm water
- Capturing rainwater for other uses
- Installing a green roof or creating/retaining pervious surfaces to slow run-off and absorb water
Advantages of LID projects:
- Reduction of local stormwater costs
- Creation of green jobs
- Reduction of the impact that stormwater has on the water quality in Puget Sound
What Can You Do?
Build a Rain Garden - Fight Flooding with Flowers
Rain Gardens act like native forests by collecting and absorbing rainwater that washes over hard surfaces, filtering out pollutants like motor oil, pesticides and heavy metals.
- Rain Gardens are a proven way to prevent flooding and beautify your yard while helping the environment
- They help saving millions of dollars in pollution clean-up and expensive stormwater projects.
- Require minimal time or skill to maintain each year
Talk to Your Neighbors
Rain Gardens are especially effective if they are placed in clusters. Clustering rain gardens such as the SEA Street project in Seattle resulted in the removal of 98% percent of contaminants from the runoff in that area.
For more info, contact Stacey Gianas from Stewardship Partners.
Rainwater Harvesting with Rain Barrels
Put a cistern or rain barrel in your yard to capture rain water. This is an easy way to save on your water bills and ensure that your plants don't suffer in the next drought.
Other Ways You Can Help to Reduce Polluted Runoff
In your home
- Make your own non-toxic cleaning products
- Wash your vehicle at a commercial carwash or on your lawn
- Use organic fertilizer, compost, mulch and hand weed
- Dispose hazardous wastes and medications properly
On the road or on the water:
- Take the bus, ride a bike, walk or carpool
- Fix vehicle leaks and follow maintenance guidelines
- Properly dispose of wastes from boats
At the store
- Read labels and purchase toxic-free products
- Buy produce and meat grown nearby (to reduce carbon footprint)
- Buy products rated safer on cosmeticsdatabase.com
Contact | Franziska McKay
Partners
- Seattle Public Utilities RainWise Program
- Stewardship Partners
- Resource Media
- Sustainable Seattle
- Environmental Science Center Burien
- Earth Justice
- Washington Environmental Council
- Puget Soundkeeper Alliance
