• Skip to content
  • Skip to footer
site logo
45+ Years Experience Neighbor Certified
Call us 206-430-1954
Reviews
24/7 Emergency Service206-430-1954
  • Home
  • Services
      • Plumbing Leak Repair in Seattle WA
      • Plumbing
      • Toilets
      • Water Filters
      • Remodels
      • Gas Lines
      • Pumps
      • Water Heaters
      • Water Line Repair
      • Repipe Services
      • Faucet Repair and Replacement
      • Garbage Disposals
      • Plumbing Leak Repair
      • Sewer
      • Estimates and Diagnostics
      • Emergency Services
      • Hydro Jet
      • Trenchless
      • Drain Cleaning and Repair
      • Sewer Video and Inspection
      • Sewer Repair and Replacement
  • Blog
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Reviews
  • Environment
  • General

Only Rain Down the Drain

Nov 13,2019

raymary

Have you noticed the storm drains in your street and intersections?  Most of these drains empty directly into local streams. It is important that only rain goes down the drain. We can all help direct pollutants and debris away from these drains and keep our water ways clean.

Storm Drains

Most of our Seattle water falls from the sky and lands on the ground. Trees and grass soak up this ground water. The excess ground water, including rain that lands on paved areas, flows into storm drains. Pollutants from vehicles, pet waste, and fertilizer are washed into the storm water as it flows directly into neighborhood creeks, lakes, and Puget Sound. 

Prevent Pollution

Polluted storm water is damaging to wildlife, sea life and human life. The direct flow of storm water into our water ways means we should never pour oil, paint, or any chemicals into a storm drain.

Catch Basin

Some storm drains collect and hold water in a catch basin before flowing downstream. This underground container catches storm water and then separates the sediment before it flows downstream.  You might see a grate next to the sidewalk curb, or a grate opening under a downspout.   

Car Wash

Commercial car washes have special catch basins installed so that the dirty water is routed to a water treatment facility. The city advises homeowners to wash cars at a car wash and not in the street so that the dirty wash water containing oils, grease, antifreeze, and transmission fluid does not flow directly into streams and the sound.

Car Drips and Leaks

If your car leaks oil, gasoline, grease, antifreeze, and other automotive fluids onto the street, these are washed into the storm drains when it rains. A little leak may seem minor, but multiplied by the approximately 457,000 vehicles in Seattle, it is a huge problem. Car leaks are said to be the largest polluters of Puget Sound.

Take your vehicle into a repair shop to check for drips and leaks. See www.fixcarleaks.org for more information. This organization also offers free workshops on how to identify leaks.

Pet Waste and Fertilizer

Some tips to reduce pet and fertilizer pollutants from entering the storm drain are:

  • Pick up pet waste and put it in the garbage can. Don’t let the rain wash it downstream.
  • Use fertilizer with zero phosphorus, and use half of the amount recommended. Phosphorus is detrimental to fish and aquatic plants.
  • Plant trees and flowers that naturally filter water. Trees are an amazing protector of pollutants.  One caution before planting is to be aware of where your water lines and sewer lines are located.

Only Rain

In summary, keep pollution out of the storm water system by allowing only rain down the drain. And, keep storm drains working by clearing leaves and debris out of the water’s path.

For more information on storm drains and storm water, watch King County’s two minute storm drain video. Thank you for reading!

 

Share This

  • facebook iconfacebook
  • twitter icontwitter
  • pinterest
  • linkedin iconlinkedin
  • google plus icongoogle_plus

Post navigation

Call 206-430-1954

to schedule service today

 

Request Appointment

Contact Us

10710 Lake City Way NE
Seattle, WA 98125

Get Directions [+]

Phone: 206-430-1954

Stay Connected!

  • facebook iconFacebook
  • twitter iconTwitter

Subscribe

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

© 2023 Raymark Plumbing & Sewer

All rights reserved.

Privacy Policy

Request Appointment