For more information call the Water Quality Division at 513.946.7862

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Hamilton County Storm Water District

Storm Water Pollution

Did you know that every single person in Hamilton County contributes to the quality of county waterways? That's right; the actions we take as individual citizens contribute to the health of the streams, rivers and ponds that cross our county's landscape.

If this is news to you, then you probably don't know that there are things you can look out for in your community, and steps you can take in your own back yard, that will help protect Hamilton County waterways for years to come.

For example, everyday activities such as working on your lawn, washing your car, and sprucing up the exterior of your home can cause storm water pollution and can negatively impact the quality of our waterways – if we don't take proper precautions.

The average homeowner applies seven times more chemicals to their lawn than a farmer does per acre. Excessive application of fertilizers and pesticides on our lawns can be washed away by sprinklers and rain, ending up in storm drains that empty into the nearest stream or waterway.
Many of us try to save money by changing our automobile or lawnmower's oil, antifreeze and other fluids. Do you know how to properly dispose of these used products? Most of us know that these materials should never be dumped into a storm drain or waterway, but we may still unwittingly contribute to storm water pollution if we change these fluids in our driveways. Rain water or hoses may wash excess into the street and down the storm drain. Leaky vehicles that are parked outside can have the same negative effect.

There are many things we should and should not do as residents of Hamilton County to protect the health of our waterways. Simple things like removing pet waste and grass clippings from our yard and making sure our septic systems are functioning properly can all have a big impact on our streams and rivers. Here are some Dos and Don'ts that will help keep Hamilton County waterways clean:

Dos

• Cover and seed all bare soil and preserve stream side vegetation – sediment is the #1 water pollutant by volume! 
• Participate in community clean ups and storm drain labeling events. These community events will help build awareness among your neighbors and spread the message that our community is made up of good environmental citizens. 
• Compost yard waste, sweep up grass clippings and tree trimmings from pavement. 
• Clean up pet waste from your yard and when you walk your dog. Flush it or send it with your household garbage to the landfill. 
• Maintain your household sewage treatment system. For maintenance and inspection information, contact (513) 946-7862. 
• Store oil and other automobile supplies properly – containers should be tightly sealed. 
• Take old paint, pesticides, automotive fluids, and batteries to a hazardous waste handling facility. Call 946-7734 for more information. 
• Wash your car at a commercial car wash or on a non-paved surface to avoid draining into the storm sewer. 
• Pick up litter whenever and wherever you see it.

Don'ts

• Dump excess soil, lawn clippings, leaves or tree trimmings along stream banks, over hillsides or into the street. 
• Dump anything into storm drains. Report anyone who dumps chemicals into storm drains by calling the Storm Water Hotline, 946-7000. Storm water that enters these drains generally flows untreated into local waterways. 
• Overuse fertilizers and pesticides. You can test your soil to determine the amount needed and when to apply. Kits are available from Hamilton County Soil & Water Conservation District, (513) 772-7645.

Reporting Pollution

Now that you've decided to become a good environmental citizen, what should you do if you witness someone else polluting a storm drain or other waterway? Call the Hamilton County Storm Water Hotline at (513) 946-7000. If you see any of the following occurring in your neighborhood, please call the hotline: 

• Dumping in storm drains 
• Dumping in streams, rivers or other waterways 
• Excessive soil erosion or runoff around development, construction sites or agriculture fields. 
• Polluted storm water can lead to fish kills, destruction of wildlife habitat, loss of aesthetic value, impaired recreational areas and contaminated drinking water resources. You can help keep Hamilton County waterways clean and clear by reporting and preventing possible sources of storm water pollution. Call the Hamilton County Storm Water Hotline at (513) 946-7000. 

More Information

For more informationm, visit the Hamilton County Storm Water District, or call (513) 946-4250.