- Environmental Protection...
- Protecting Our Parks
- Protecting Our Waterways
HOW STORMWATER RUNOFF AFFECTS
Brevard County Waterways
And How You Can Help!
This marker is designed to alert Brevard County business owners, residents, and visitors that only rain should go down the storm drain...
Below is the door hanger that is typically placed on a door in the area where storm drain markers are installed.
The information on the door hanger helps business and home owner's know their role in keeping pollutants out of the path of rain. Our efforts can make a big difference in the quality of water in the Indian River Lagoon and St. Johns River by following the guidelines put forth on the door hanger.
A Waterway’s Enemy
Stormwater runoff has been identified as the greatest source of pollutants going into our waterways. Stormwater runoff is water that runs off or flows over ground after a rainstorm. This water picks up debris, chemicals, soil, yard waste, fertilizer, motor oil and other pollutants, which are carried into local retention ponds, or directly into the Indian River Lagoon, St. Johns River or other waterways. Stormwater does not travel to or through a water treatment plant like wastewater from homes and businesses that is treated in sewage systems.
Avoid a Clog
Keeping storm drains clean can help protect your neighborhood from flooding.If trash, grass clippings, branches or litter clog the drains, they create localized flooding problems. Never dump or place anything down your storm drain except rainwater.
Make A Clean Sweep
- To keep the storm water leaving your home or work place clean, follow these simple guidelines —
- Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly and in the amounts recommended. Contact your local Cooperative Extension Service for further information.
- Repair all auto leaks as soon as possible.
- Dispose of household hazardous waste such as antifreeze, used motor oil, and batteries at designated collection or recycling locations.
- Use a commercial car wash or wash your car on a lawn or other unpaved surface.
- Sweep up yard debris rather than hosing down areas. Compost or recycle yard waste when possible.
- Properly dispose of excess paint through the household hazardous waste collection program. Clean brushes per manufacturers recommendations. In general:
- Clean water based paint brushes in the sink, not outdoors.
- Clean oil based paint brushes with lacquer thinner or mineral spirits in a bucket in a well ventilated area, with the residual disposed of as hazardous waste.
- Sweep up and properly dispose of construction debris such as concrete or mortar.
- Dog and Pet waste contaminates our waterways! Studies done in the last few years put dogs third or fourth on the list of contributors to bacteria in contaminated waters. Rain often flushes pet waste left on trails, sidewalks, streets, and grassy areas into the nearest stormdrain. Here's what you can do:
- Put your dog's waste in a bag. Then flush the waste down the toilet, throw it in a trash can or bury it.
- Dispose of kitty waste and litter properly. Use a two-step process to clean the cat box --
- First, scoop waste out of flushable litter and flush it down the toilet. Take care to minimize the amount of litter you flush.
- THEN, when litter is no longer usable, bag the litter and dispose of it in the trash. NEVER flush any kind of litter if you have a SEPTIC TANK
- Don't leave pet waste in your yard to decay and become a health problem.
- To make sure water is not polluted by the waste, clean up any waste near storm drains, ditches, wells and waterways.
- If you don't want to pick up after your pet yourself, consider hiring a Poopy Patrol service.
- Watch an Animated Video & Download "Get The Scoop" Brochure
Learn the details —
For more information on programs or to order publications about watersheds or water pollution in your area, please contact the District.
St. Johns River Water Management District
4049 Reid Street
P.O. Box 1429
Palatka, Florida 32178-1429
(800) 451-7106 (904) 329-4500
www.sjrwmd.com 
Brevard County Contact —
Elizabeth C. Melvin,
Community Outreach Specialist
Phone: 321-633-2014
Fax: 321-633-2168
www.brevstorm.org
