WHAT IS STORMWATER?

New Jersey gets an average of 47 inches of precipitation each year. When it rains or the snow melts, where does this water go? In more natural areas, water is quickly able to infiltrate into the ground and forested area allows for about 18 inches per hour of infiltration, where an average lawn allows for about 2 inches per hour. Impervious surfaces like pavement and rooftops, offer no infiltration at all. All of the water that doesn’t infiltrate flows over the ground, over roofs and through gutters on buildings, into storm drains, and into the nearest waterway –our lakes, rivers, and streams. This is stormwater.

Human activity is largely responsible for stormwater pollution. Everything that we put on the ground or into the storm drain can end up in our water. Each of us has a responsibility to make sure these contaminants stay out of our water. Whether we have clean water is up to you.

What can you do?

Your everyday activities can affect water quality. Help reduce the amount of pollution that flows into our waterways by following these helpful tips:

Shop for nonhazardous, biodegradable, and phosphorous-free household cleaning products.
Rinse paintbrushes in the sink if you use water-based paints. With oil-based paints, use paint thinner to clean brushes and dispose of thinner through a local household hazardous waste program. See a list of local household hazardous waste facilities.
Sweep up dirt and debris and discard them on your lawn or in the trash. Hosing off pavement washes pollutants into storm drains, which may lead to local creeks, bays, and the ocean.
Take your car to a car wash instead of washing your car in your driveway, on the street, or in your yard. This not only conserves water but also eliminates t
he running off of harmful pollutants.
Keep trash cans closed to prevent the trash from scattering.
Store hazardous substances such as paints, solvents, and cleaners, and use them sparingly, according to the directions. Store properly to avoid spills.
Dispose of drywall and hardened concrete, and mortar in the trash or visit a list of recycling centers.
Do not rinse concrete or mortar from a bucket or wheelbarrow into the street; dilute the mixture with water and rinse it into an area with vegetation or gravel.

Participate in local recycling programs. To find out more about recycling in your area.
Dispose of unwanted chemicals at a household hazardous waste collection center in your area. Never pour hazardous materials into the street, sewer, or storm drain. For more information on hazardous waste see a list of local household hazardous waste facilities.
Eliminate or, at least, reduce the use of soaps and shampoos when using outdoor showers that drain to the street.
NEVER throw litter and debris directly into storm drains. Such debris can wash into waterways and onto beaches, and clogged drains can cause street flooding and traffic congestion.

Find out more information at NJDEP.