Clean Streets = Clean Streams: The Storm Drain Connection    

KRB’s cleanup campaign slogan “Clean Streets = Clean Streams” highlights the link between the purity of Rockland’s drinking water supplies and the way we handle waste.

     The much-ignored and lowly storm drain is the physical link between land use and water quality, diverting rainwater runoff from roads and parking lots into local streams, so as to prevent flooding and accidents. Unfortunately, as water travels to a storm drain and on to its ultimate destination, be it wetland, ocean or your bathroom faucet, some unsavory characters often “hitch a ride.” 

     Cigarette butts, trash, gasoline, lawn chemicals, road salt and dirt are just some of the contaminants that turn innocent “runoff” into “non-point-source” water pollution, clogging drains, degrading ecology and threatening water quality, wildlife and public health. Note: grass clippings can overload a stream with organic matter, depleting oxygen in the water as they rot, not to mention the possibility of fertilizers and pesticides. KRB volunteers have even witnessed a person pouring out a paint bucket into a storm drain!

     These pictures tell part of the storm drain story in Rockland County, showing how trash moves from a poorly maintained Dumpster over overturned trash can through the water system to the Hudson River. Feel free to use the pictures in your own applications.

     We also offer a school program in which students learn about storm drains as a part of the water system, explore for storm drains near the school, and mark them with "No Dumping - Drains to Stream" decals. Browse under menu item Programs/Education for more about KRB school programs.

1. Ask your friends and children if they know the difference between a storm drain and a sewer.

2. Use fertilizers sparingly and sweep driveways.

3. Never dump anything down storm drains, not even grass clippings.

4. Vegetate bare spots in your yard; prevent soil erosion from construction sites.

5. Direct downspouts away from paved surfaces and storm drains.

6. Do not wash your car on paved surfaces, soap will run into street (park on grass or use a car wash)

7. Check car for leaks.

8. Pick up after your pet (you would be shocked to see all the bags of doo we find in streams!)

9. Have your septic tank pumped and system checked regularly.

10. Prevent litter!! (Use KRB's services, such as Litter Warning Letter, support for neighborhood cleanups, trash can painting and school programs - spread the word!)

Goose Photo: Fred Burrell