What is stormwater runoff?

When it rains, not all of that water is soaked into the ground. It flows from a variety of places – rooftops, paved areas, and lawns, to name a few – into storm drains or swales as it makes its way towards local bodies of water.

Along the way, it picks up pollutants such as animal waste, pesticides, fertilizers, oil and grease, as well as soil and debris. When this stormwater pollution enters the St. Lucie River or Indian River Lagoon estuaries, it can lead to algae and blue green algae blooms, as well as other adverse effects.

How can I help protect our water quality?

We all play an important role when it comes to protecting our water quality. Doing simple things cleaning up after our pets, repairing vehicle leaks, and keeping residential swales clear of debris and litter can help minimize the volume of illicit discharges entering our estuaries. Additional measures we can all take include using lawn and garden chemicals sparingly, directing downspouts onto grassy areas away from paved surfaces, and disposing of used oil, antifreeze, paints, and other household chemicals in an approved way.

See what you can bring to the Solid Waste Baling & Recycling Facility here.

Do you have a question?

Email publicworks@stlucieco.gov and your question may be featured in a future newsletter.