By Pam Acre
City of Northglenn Stormwater Coordinator

Please think twice before dumping something in the gutter.

Street gutters carry water into a network of storm drains that lead straight to local creeks and streams. Storm drains are separate from the sanitary sewer system, which handles wastewater from sinks, tubs and toilets.

Stormwater is not treated at a sewage treatment plant.

Anything on sidewalks and streets, such as grass clippings, leaves, pet waste, trash or excess fertilizer, is carried away by water runoff and ends up in storm drains, where it flows into our rivers, lakes and streams.

• Never dump anything down storm drains.

• Pick up after your pet - dispose of waste in the trash or toilet.

• Check your car for leaks and recycle motor oil.

• Take your car to the carwash instead of washing it in the driveway - or wash it on the lawn.

• Use fertilizer sparingly. Keep excess off driveways, sidewalks and roads.
• Vegetate bare spots in your yard.

• Compost your yard waste - rake your leaves, don't send them to the gutter and storm drain.

• Avoid pesticides - learn about more natural methods of pest control.

• Direct roof drains and downspouts away from paved surfaces.