Download Stormwater Awareness - Texas State University

University Seminar 1100
Instructor Workshop
Stormwater Awareness
 What is stormwater?
Rainwater that does not
soak into the soil and
grass
Rainwater that runs off
our streets, parking lots,
concrete, etc.
Stormwater Awareness
 Where does it go?
 Runoff flows to ditches and gutters
 Into storm drains and underground pipes
 Directly into our creeks and river
Untreated and Unfiltered
Stormwater Awareness
 Why is this bad?
 Unfiltered stormwater can have contaminates and
bacteria such as:
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Oil and gasoline
Fertilizers
Pesticides
Soil
Grass clippings
Trash
Pet waste
Cigarette butts
Stormwater Awareness
The San Marcos River is our treasured water for recreation…
…and is home to 5 threatened and endangered species
Example: Texas Blind Salamander
Example: Texas Wild Rice
Stormwater Awareness
 How Can I help?
 Respect and protect our river
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Don’t litter & pick up trash others leave behind (can end up in
storm drains and in river)
Recycle your cans & water bottles
Encourage others to do the same
Stormwater Awareness
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How Can I Help?
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Report illegal dumping
Don’t throw items or dump chemicals down storm drains
If you see someone doing it, report it immediately
Below are contacts of offices you can contact to report any
illegal disposal of items into storm drains
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City of San Marcos: (512) 393-8036
Texas State University, EHSRM: (512) 245-3616
Stormwater Awareness
 How Can I Help?
 Dispose of used oil/hazardous
waste properly
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Campus: EHSRM disposes of campus hazardous wastes
City Residents: Residents can drop off waste at Household
Hazardous Waste events
 Clean up after your pooch
 Pet waste can end up in the river
 Bacteria in waste can make swimmers sick
Stormwater Awareness
 How Can I Help?
 Volunteer
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Habitat Conservation Plan
 Tree planting along river banks
River Clean-Ups
Spread the Word