Only rain in the storm drain

Overview

When it rains, stormwater runoff flows over driveways, sidewalks, streets, and parking lots picking up pollutants such as trash, oil, pet waste, and pesticides, carrying them to the storm drain system (i.e., gutters, drop inlets, and channels). But unlike the water from sinks, toilets, showers, and dishwashers, stormwater runoff flows through the storm drain system UNTREATED to Lake Mead – the Valley’s main source of drinking water. Polluted stormwater runoff can have adverse effects on wildlife, plants, people, and the environment.

Learn how you can help prevent stormwater pollution!

Industrial

Make stormwater pollution prevention your business! When it rains, pollutants spilled on the ground can be carried UNTREATED to Lake Mead – the Valley’s main source of drinking water. Best Management Practices (BMPs), such as good housekeeping and careful management of materials stored outdoors can prevent stormwater pollution.

  • Good Housekeeping

    Maintain facility grounds free of litter and debris. Develop a schedule to clean and sweep work areas to collect trash and debris, and place in covered dumpsters to prevent transportation into the storm drain system by wind or rain.

  • Spill Management

    Maintain a dedicated spill kit on site to contain and clean spills. Apply absorbent materials such as kitty litter or sand to clean spills. Sweep used absorbent into a trash bag and dispose properly.

  • Chemical Storage

    Store chemicals in labeled, sealed containers within secondary containment provided and under permanent or temporary cover, such as a tarp or roofing.

  • Outdoor Storage of Material/Equipment

    When storing equipment and material outdoors, place items on wooden pallets and under permanent or temporary cover, such as a tarp. For long-term storage of fluid filled parts, drain fluids and cut and crimp all lines. Collect and dispose of all fluids properly.

  • Runoff Management

    Regularly maintain and clean retention basins, drywells and stormwater treatment conveyances to ensure proper operation. Keep pollutants away from these structures.

  • Administrative Controls (SWPPP)

    Follow local codes to minimize the discharge of pollutants to the storm drain system. Some categories of businesses are required to obtain a permit with Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) and develop and implement a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) to minimize stormwater pollution from the industrial facility. This document identifies potential sources of pollution and describes stormwater control measures aimed at reducing the discharge of pollutants. For more information about this requirement visit the NDEP website. For more information about stormwater pollution prevention see Stormwater BMPs.

  • Vehicle and Equipment Maintenance

    Use drip pans to contain leaks from vehicles awaiting service. Clean leaks and spills using an absorbent such as kitty litter or sand. Sweep up and properly dispose of used absorbent. Properly dispose or recycle greasy rags. Keep auto parts indoors or on pallets and under cover. Store chemicals in closed and labeled containers. See Automotive Maintenance Best Management Practices for more information.

  • Fueling

    When possible, cover fuel islands and grade the areas to contain spills. Utilize spill and overflow devices at the pumps. Have spill control kits available at the fuel island. Install curbing and/or posts to protect pumps.

  • STORM SEWER vs. SANITARY SEWER

    Clark County has two separate collection systems. The sanitary sewer collects wastewater from sinks, toilets, showers, and washing machines, conveying it to a wastewater treatment plant to remove pollutants before returning it to Lake Mead. The storm sewer system carries UNTREATED stormwater runoff directly to Lake Mead – the Valley’s primary source of drinking water. See Sanitary Sewer vs. Storm Sewer for more information.

Residential

Stormwater hits home! Pet waste and yard debris, household chemicals, household cleaners, paint and vehicle fluids are examples of materials that can cause stormwater pollution if not properly stored or cleaned up when spilled outdoors. Rain can carry pollution from our yards and driveways into the streets and storm drain system where it flows UNTREATED to Lake Mead – the Valley’s main source of drinking water. There are many ways you can prevent stormwater pollution!

  • Pet waste

    Collect pet waste in a plastic bag and throw it away in a trash can. If left on the ground, rainfall can wash pet waste, which contains bacteria and other pathogens, to Lake Mead. See Pet Waste and Water Quality for more information.

  • Pools and Spas

    Pool and spa water should be drained to the sanitary sewer via a sewer cleanout, typically located in front of homes. Discharging pool water to the gutter can carry chemicals, bacteria and other pollutants to the Lake Mead. Contact your local jurisdiction for discharge requirements if your home is on septic or you are unable to locate your sewer cleanout. See Proper Disposal of Residential Pool and Spa Water for more information.

  • Landscape Maintenance

    Use pesticides, fertilizers and other lawn care products sparingly and in accordance with label instructions. Over-watering can carry pollutants to the Las Vegas Wash and Lake Mead. Sweep yard debris and dispose of in the trash. Do not sweep or wash yard debris into the street. Debris can clog storm drain inlets causing flooding. See Landscape Maintenance Activities for more information.

  • Household Chemicals

    Maintain chemicals in labeled, closed containers. Unused household chemicals, including paint, used oil, cleaners, and yard chemicals should be properly disposed of or recycled. Take these items to a Household Hazardous Waste disposal site or collection event. See Household Hazardous Waste for disposal information and facility locations.

  • Automobile Maintenance

    Properly maintain vehicles to prevent fluid leaks. Place drip pans under the vehicle to contain oil from active leaks. Clean leaks and spills using an absorbent such as kitty litter or sand. Sweep up, bag and properly dispose of used absorbent in the trash. Pollutants from vehicle fluids, such as oil or antifreeze, can contaminate stormwater runoff. One quart of motor oil can contaminate over 250,000 gallons of water. See Automotive Maintenance Best Management Practices for more information.

  • STORM SEWER vs. SANITARY SEWER

    Clark County has two separate collection systems. The sanitary sewer collects wastewater from sinks, toilets, showers, and washing machines, conveying it to a wastewater treatment plant to remove pollutants before returning it to Lake Mead. The storm sewer system carries UNTREATED stormwater runoff directly to Lake Mead – the Valley’s primary source of drinking water. See Sanitary Sewer vs. Storm Sewer for more information.

  • Spill Management

    Keep absorbents, such as kitty litter, sand or old rags on hand for cleaning spills. Apply absorbent to spills, sweep into a trash bag and dispose of in the trash.

  • Trash & Recycling

    Bag and tie loose trash and debris to prevent transportation by wind or rain into the storm drain system. Place recyclables loose in the bin, do not bag or box recyclables. Keep trash and recycling cans closed.

  • Vehicle Washing

    Use a commercial or self-service car wash, if possible. When washing your vehicle at home, use a bucket and phosphate-free, biodegradable soap. Direct wash water to landscaping, when possible, or dispose of wash water into a sink or toilet. Do not direct wash water into the street. See Use a Commercial Car Wash for more information. Click to receive a Water Smart Car Wash Coupon.

Construction

Design and build stormwater pollution controls into your project! Construction activities can cause excess sediment to be released into the storm drain system, impacting stormwater and surface water quality. Construction site operators can minimize stormwater pollution by implementing Best Management Practices (BMPs) to control soil erosion and sedimentation, properly storing chemicals and wastes, protecting stockpiled materials, and preventing track out.

  • Construction Entrance/Exit

    Stabilize or install track out pads at site entrances/exits to minimize sediment track out into the street. Regularly maintain track out pads to ensure effectiveness. Conduct regular sweeping at entrances/exits if sediment is being tracked out into the street.

  • Sediment Control

    Use gravel bags, wattles, organic fiber rolls, straw bales, etc., to control sediment at the perimeter of the site, around material stockpiles, and at storm drain drop inlets. Regularly inspect and maintain controls.

  • Erosion Control

    Preserve existing vegetation, use diversion channels, and stage construction phases to minimize soil disturbance. Stabilize areas not actively being worked. Protect exposed soil and slopes with erosion control measures. Inspect and maintain control measures.

  • Chemical storage

    Store chemicals inside or under cover when possible. Provide secondary containment, spill kit and have appropriate spill response procedures in place.

  • Concrete Washout

    Contained, lined washouts or other approved methods should be provided for concrete, paint, drywall, stucco, mortar, etc. Ensure the washout area is clearly marked and used only for the intended purpose. Regularly service the washout once it reaches 50% storage capacity, do not overfill. Washout should never be discharged to the soil, street, or storm drain.

  • Administrative Controls

    Develop and implement a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) to help minimize pollution from the construction site. This document identifies potential sources of stormwater pollution, describes stormwater control measures aimed at reducing the discharge of pollutants. Train staff on practices that minimize stormwater pollution. Conduct routine inspections after rain events.

  • Post Construction Controls

    Stabilize areas where construction activities have temporarily or permanently ceased by installing permanent stormwater controls. Install and maintain structural controls to collect and treat stormwater runoff before it leaves the site. Install and maintain final site landscaping to minimize erosion. Verify that drainage structures such as drywells, retention basins, and stormwater treatment devices were properly installed and operational. See Post Construction for more information.

  • Low Impact Development

    Incorporate Low Impact Development (LID) principles in the building design whenever possible. Use LID strategies, such as pervious pavement, vegetative swales, onsite retention, rainwater harvesting, and reuse to minimize stormwater runoff from the property.

  • STORM SEWER vs. SANITARY SEWER

    Clark County has two separate collection systems. The sanitary sewer collects wastewater from sinks, toilets, showers, and washing machines, conveying it to a wastewater treatment plant to remove pollutants before returning it to Lake Mead. The storm sewer system carries UNTREATED stormwater runoff directly to Lake Mead – the Valley’s primary source of drinking water. See Sanitary Sewer vs. Storm Sewer for more information.