Tips to Avoid Stormwater Pollution

Stormwater pollution has become an increasingly serious problem as chemical runoff and litter runs into storm drains and sewer lines. This wastewater comes from sewer and septic systems and, if not treated properly onsite, can contaminate stormwater runoff. Stormwater pollution can make monitoring and treating drinking water a more difficult and costly endeavor. However, in addition to making sure your septic tank is adequately treating water on your property and investing in septic service in Bethel, OH when necessary, there are several other ways you can help avoid stormwater pollution in your community.

How stormwater pollution occurs

The watershed encompasses all the land that drains into a stream, river, lake or other body of water. Water that doesn’t soak into the ground during rainfall will eventually flow over the land and end up in these waters—this is called stormwater runoff. As the water runs over the land, it picks up contaminants from the community, including chemicals, wastewater, litter and pet waste. These contaminants are what causes stormwater pollution, which eventually ends up in the same stream, river, lake or other body of water where all runoff collects. This can end up affecting the health of the aquatic ecosystem and make these bodies of water unsafe for fish and marine life as well as unsafe for swimming or recreation.

Treating wastewater to avoid stormwater pollution

Wastewater is treated either through a wastewater treatment plant or onsite in residences that use a septic system. The most important things you can do to make sure your wastewater is being treated effectively are properly maintain your septic system and invest in septic service in Bethel, OH when necessary. If you own a septic system, wastewater produced by your home will pass into the septic tank, where solid materials settle to the bottom to be broken down while liquids are passed into a drain field to be treated. Solids will need to be pumped every one to three years or so to make sure the septic system is operating at its peak capacity. Properly maintaining your septic system will help to ensure that wastewater from your home does not contribute to stormwater pollution.

Other tips to avoid stormwater pollution

There are more things you can do to help cut down on stormwater pollution in addition to ensuring your septic tank is functioning and treating the wastewater produced by your home. Avoid disposing of chemicals down the drain, as these chemicals can mix with water runoff and end up in the drinking water supply or groundwater runoff. Don’t litter, and make sure you clean up after your pets to avoid pet waste mixing with stormwater runoff. Don’t wash your car in public areas, and be aware and report anything suspicious regarding stormwater that you see.

If you’re in need of septic service in Bethel, OH, Gullett Sanitation Services Inc. is the premier choice for all things septic. We are happy to provide outstanding services that mitigate your involvement with hazardous septic system issues and resolve your problems quickly and effectively. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment.

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