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 Storm Water Pollution Solutions
Sewage Pipe

What is storm water runoff?
Storm water runoff occurs when precipitation from rain or snowmelt flows over the ground. Impervious surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, and streets prevent storm water from naturally soaking into the ground.

Why is storm water runoff a problem?
Storm water can pick up debris, chemicals, dirt and other pollutants and flow into a storm sewer system. Anything that enters a storm sewer system is discharged untreated into rivers, streams and lakes. These are the same bodies of water that we use for swimming, fishing and for drinking water.

The effects of pollution

  • Polluted storm water runoff can have many adverse effects on plants, fish, animals, and people.
  • Sediment can cloud the water and make it difficult or impossible for aquatic plants to grow.
  • Excess nutrients can cause algae blooms. When the algae dies it sinks to the bottom and decomposes, this process removes oxygen from the water. Fish and other aquatic organisms can’t exist in water with low dissolved oxygen levels.
  • Debris – plastic bags, six-pack rings, bottles, and cigarette butts – washed into water bodies can choke, suffocate, or disable aquatic life such as ducks, fish, and birds.
  • Household hazardous wastes can poison aquatic life. Land animals and people can become sick or die from eating diseased fish or ingesting polluted water.
  • Polluted storm water often affects drinking water sources. This, in turn, can affect human health and increase drinking water treatment costs.

There are a number of ways to stop storm water pollution; and they all start with you.
The following list describes 10 Ways you can do your part.

  • Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly and sweep up driveways, sidewalks, and roads.
  • Never dump anything down storm drains. Whatever goes into the storm drain ends up in the creek.
  • Vegetate bare spots in your yard.
  • Compost your yard waste.
  • Remember to pick up your pet's waste and dispose of it properly when out for a walk. Pet waste can be a major source of bacteria and excess nutrients in the local waters.
  • Direct downspouts away from paved surfaces.
  • Use a commercial car wash that treats or recycles its wastewater, or wash your car on your yard so the water infiltrates into the ground. Washing your car can send detergents and other contaminants through the storm water system.
  • Check your vehicles for leaks and if you change your own oil make sure to recycle the oil. The Butte-Silver Bow Landfill has an area where you can recycle your motor oil.
  • Have your septic tank pumped and system inspected regularly.
  • Don't overwater your lawn. For a healthy lawn water every other day, one inch per week.

 

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Contact Information
General contact information for the Butte-Silver Bow Courthouse.

Postal address:
155 West Granite Street
Butte, MT 59701

Telephone: (406) 497-6200
FAX: (406) 497-6328