Stormwater Runoff
Stormwater runoff is unfiltered water that reaches streams, lakes, sounds, and oceans by means of flowing across impervious surfaces. These surfaces include roads, parking lots, driveways, and roofs. This brochure will help you understand the impact that stormwater runoff has on all of us. First, it is important to understand how water cycles through the urban environment.
How water recycles itself
The water cycle is the process by which water is recycled. To many people, recycling seems like a fairly new concept. Actually, water has been recycling itself for thousands of years. This natural water recycling system is highly sophisticated and successful.
Let's take a look at an ideal water cycle:
Let's look at watersheds
Whereas a water cycle is the process of recycling, a watershed is the vehicle by which water is recycled. Without watersheds, the loop in which water is recycled would be broken. A watershed is measured by the hilltops and ridges that are its boundaries. It is shaped by the hills, valleys, and plains that are the landscape and is tempered by forests, fields, lakes and marshes that are habitats for its creatures.
Most of us know a watershed through its streams that connect forest with farm, farm with city, and city with Puget Sound. Each of us changes the watershed day by day, bit by bit, as we go about the business of our lives.
The Stormwater Program
What's the problem?
When land is left in its natural state, the majority of rainfall soaks into forests and meadows, flows slowly underground, is filtered by natural processes, and eventually feeds streams, lakes, underground aquifers, and Puget Sound.
The natural process of water soaking into the earth is destroyed when we cover the land with buildings, roads, and parking lots. The existing meadows and forests are replaced with roofs, concrete, and asphalt; all of which do not allow rain to penetrate the earth. Instead, the fallen rain quickly runs directly into storm drains, ditches, and streams, all without the benefit of filtration.
To add to this problem, the water that is running directly into the streams is often picking up pollutants along the way. These pollutants can include motor oils and gasoline that leak from vehicles, fertilizers and pesticides from lawns and gardens, and anything else that will float or dissolve in water. Pollution by this means is called non-point pollution, and is a huge problem. In fact, non-point pollution accounts for over half of the pollution reaching our creeks, streams, and Puget Sound. The closure of many local beaches to shellfish harvesting and diminishing fish populations are signs of pollution problems in Puget Sound. These problems clearly indicate the need for programs that address the control of non-point source pollution.
The City of Bremerton Stormwater Program
The City of Bremerton Stormwater program is designed to specifically address non-point pollution. It is a comprehensive and coordinated approach to identifying and implementing solutions for water quality problems.
The goals of the program include protecting public health and natural resources by providing funding for non-point pollution control programs, meeting regulatory requirements, coordinating program efforts with other agencies and programs, and raising public awareness of non-point pollution issues.
Elements of the program include capital improvements, operations and maintenance, planning, public education and involvement, water quality monitoring. The existing stormwater drainage system within the City is a series of swales (grassy areas and ponds) and pipes, which collect and route drainage away from homes and businesses. This water runoff is a result of rainfall which then travels overland to a local drainage system, to be carried to a stream or the Puget Sound.
Tips for around the house
What you can do
If you burn fuel to heat your home, use a car, truck, bus, boat, train, airplane, or buy products transported by any of these, you contribute to non-point pollution. Although one person's contribution to non-point pollution may seem insignificant, the combined effects of all Bremerton residents greatly influences water quality and quantity in our lakes, streams, wetlands, and Puget Sound. We must work together to control non-point pollution and protect our valuable resources.
The following handy tips will help us reduce our pollution of storm water. With your help, we can work to make stormwater runoff cleaner, which in turn, makes Bremerton a better place to live.
Sidewalks and driveways
Streets and driveways are sources of water pollution. Oil leaking from cars is a major cause of water pollution. Spilled or leaked antifreeze kills fish when it reaches streams. Remember, most of the water from your driveway and sidewalk flows directly into streams without treatment.
Recycle your used crankcase oil. You can call the Kitsap County Public Works Open Line, 337-5777, for information on the nearest collection center.
Fix that leaky crankcase or transmission. If repair is not possible, put a drip tray under the car and recycle the collected oil.
Pave your driveway with lattice block pavers instead of concrete or asphalt. These pavers allow stormwater to seep into the ground.
De-ice with sand instead of salts and chemicals. Sweep up the sand before the next rainstorm.
Keep suds out of the stormdrains. Use low-phosphate soaps when you wash your car. Wash your car on the lawn rather than the driveway. Do not dump detergents or cleaning compounds into local waterways. Consider washing your car at a carwash, which disposes of the wash water properly.
Sweep walkways and driveways rather than hosing debris into storm drains.
Tips for lawn and garden
Lawn and Garden
Fertilize wisely and use pesticides only when necessary. Pesticides can be toxic to fish and can contaminate drinking water. Chemical and organic fertilizers both can cause excessive plant growth in water. When these plants die, they rob the water of oxygen and this can kill fish.
Compost your yard wastes. Keep grass clippings out of ravines and waterways, where they will become unwanted fertilizer. Encourage insect-eating birds and "friendly" insects like ladybugs and lace-wings. Attract birds by providing tree cover and food during winter.
Never spray pesticides or fertilizers near ditches, lakes, or bays. Spray on cool, windless days.
Dispose of lawn and garden chemicals carefully. Follow instructions on the container. Never dump them down the drains, in the gutter or near water. They can "upset" the sewage treatment plant. If you have unused pesticides, please contact the Kitsap County Department of Public Works Open Line, 337-5777, for instructions on proper disposal.
Gardening for Clean Water
Whether your garden is two feet or two miles from the nearest stream, lake or Puget Sound, if affects our water quality.
Garden with native plants. Native plants are especially adapted our rainy northwest winters and dry summers. Native plants require little additional water after they become established. They are also more disease susceptible, requiring less fertilizers and pesticides.
Garden with drought-tolerant plants. There are hundreds of beautiful plants that thrive in the Pacific Northwest on little or no additional water, after they are established. For information on planning and installing a waterwise landscape contact the City of Bremerton Public Works and Utilities Water Conservation 360-473-2358.
Seek non-chemical solutions to plant pest problems. Some chemicals may remain in the environment for many years, accumulating to cause damage to aquatic life. Additionally, chemicals may pose a health risk. For alternatives to chemicals, contact the Kitsap County Public Works , Solid Waste Open Line 360-337-5777, or the Washington Toxics Coalition 206-632-1545.
Even more tips
Control runoff and erosion
Removing vegetation or covering the ground with pavement and buildings prevents water from soaking into the soil. During rainstorms, this water flows across the ground, picking up oil, pesticides, fertilizers, grit, or anything else that will float, dissolve or be moved along. These pollutants are carried into surface and ground water.
Retain natural ground cover whenever possible.
Stabilize areas of bare soil with vegetation as soon as possible after grading.
Plant more trees and shrubs. They capture and hold a lot of rain before it reaches the ground. Wherever possible, keep existing trees and bushes and plant more.
Avoid landscaping plastic. Large plastic sheets used to prevent erosion or weeds create as much runoff as paved streets. Use burlap on hillsides and perforated landscaping fabrics on level areas.
Direct storm water to its' proper place. Roof drains, driveway drains, and yard drains connected to the sanitary sewer take up valuable capacity. For information on how to remove these improper connections, call 4-R-WATER (479-2837).
Direct the water over lawns or construct French drains (gravel-filled trenches) whenever possible.
Collect roof water with a rain barrel. Use collected water for the garden.
More tips
Clean up pet wastes. Runoff can carry wastes into lakes and streams. Either bury pet wastes or flush them down the toilet.
Drain hot tubs and swimming pools away from waterways and storm sewers. Chlorinated water is deadly to fish and aquatic life, and should be drained onto the ground or into domestic sewers.
If you have an on-site septic system, maintain it properly. Runoff from failing systems can contaminate beaches, making shellfish inedible. It can also cause nearby waters to be unhealthy for wading or swimming. Inspect your system every 3 years for sludge build-up, and have the tank pumped. Alternative systems, such as mound or sand filter, may need more frequent maintenance. If you notice signs of a failing system (water pooling in your yard, foul odors, dark grey or black stains in the soil/ drainfield, backed-up toilets) contact a septic professional for advice.
Don't alter natural waterways. Although well intentioned, any changes you make to your stream could destroy spawning beds and fish eggs or block fish migration. Do not build ponds and dams without proper guidance and approval from the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Get Involved! Organize a neighborhood storm drain stenciling project. Label your local storm drains, "Drains to Bay, Dump No Pollutants"--and help keep our waters clean.
Report pollution in stormdrains. If you see suds, oil sheen, grease or excess sediment in a storm drain, call Customer Response at 473-5920.
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Resources
If you would like more information, here are some local resources for brochures, websites and demonstration sites:
Composting
Try composting your yard waste or make a worm bin.
Kitsap County Public Works, Solid Waste
360-337-5777 or 1-800-825-4940
Ask for the "Down to Earth" guide to composting.
Disposal of Hazardous Chemicals
Locate the nearest oil recycling center. Take household hazardous wastes to the Moderate Risk Waste Facility.
Kitsap County Public Works, Solid Waste
360-337-5777
Efficient Use of Water in Your Garden
Find out how to water your lawn and garden efficiently
City of Bremerton Public Works and Utilities
360-473-2358
WSU Master Gardeners
360-337-7158
gardening.wsu.edu
Givens Community Center Waterwise Demonstration Garden
1026 Sidney Avenue, Port Orchard, WA 98366
Using Native Plants in Your Garden
Native plants are water efficient and are better able to hold soils in place.
City of Bremerton Water Conservation Garden
3027 Olympus Drive, Bremerton, WA 98310
WSU Master Gardeners
gardening.wsu.edu
Kitsap Conservation District
360-337-7171
Has a native plant sale annually, orders are submitted in January, call for a catalog.
Rain Barrels
Collect stormwater to water your garden
City of Bremerton Public Works and Utilities
360-473-2358
Gardening with Fewer Pesticides and Fertilizers
Learn how to use fewer chemicals and maintain a health lawn and garden
Kitsap County Public Works, Solid Waste
360-337-5777 or 1-800-825-4940
www.kitsapgov.com/pw
City of Bremerton Public Works and Utilities
(360) 473-5920
Washington Toxics Coalition
206-632-1545
www.watoxics.org
Water Quality Monitoring Programs
For questions or complaints about local water quality
City of Bremerton Public Works and Utilites
(360) 473-5920 or visit www.ci.bremerton.wa.us
Kitsap County Health District
360-337-5235
www.kitsapcountyhealth.com
To report a water quality complaint in the City of Bremerton, please call Customer Response at (360) 473-5920.
Water Pollution Hotline
360-337-5777 Kitsap One, Report spills and water pollution (8AM-4:30PM, Monday-Friday)
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