Water Quality

Printer Friendly Guide to Clean Water  PDF 143K

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Question

How do pollutants find their way into our City's storm drains and creeks?

Answer

There are two primary ways in which pollutants enter our city's waterways, through our stormwater, and through improper dumping.

Stormwater is the runoff created by rain and snowmelt that is no longer able to be saturated in the ground and is swept into 1 of the 7,500 storm drains in Lawrence. Our stormwater encompasses all the water that flows from our driveways, yards, roofs, roads, construction sites, and parking lots. As it flows, gathering speed and volume, stormwater collects debris, soil, garbage, pet waste and hazardous wastes and is eventually channeled into the storm drain.

Improper Dumping is the improper disposal of yard debris, motor oil, antifreeze, fuel, pet wastes, and litter into our stormdrains. This is also a major source of water pollution. Likewise, the misuse of pesticides and overuse of fertilizers also contaminate our water.

Question

Does stormwater flow to our water treatment plants?

Answer

No.

Stormwater, laden with silt, pollutants, garbage and debris eventually empties directly into either the Kansas River or the Wakarusa River.

But let's back upstream a bit... We all know water flows downhill. Depending on your address in Lawrence, you live in 1 of the 17 watersheds within our city limits. Surface water runoff from each of these watersheds passes through both man-made and natural landscapes (stormdrains, streets, drainage ditches, creeks, and streambeds) eventually discharging into the Kansas or Wakarusa River system.

KEY TO UNDERSTANDING & CURBING STORMWATER POLLUTION

Stormwater pollution problems are complex because the potential pollution sources are so variable and diverse. To improve and protect our water quality it helps to understand the issues. In order to solve the problem each of us will have to shoulder the responsibility.

Rain barrels

Rain barrels are a simple way to collect rainwater from your downspouts. Your plants will thank you, and so will the environment... possibly even your water bill. Visit our rain barrel page for details.

Yard Waste

Leaves and grass clippings allow bacterial, oxygen-consuming materials, phosphorus, and nitrogen to be released into our waterways. Yard waste can also clog storm drains, making them ineffective and causing local flooding. Don't rake yard debris into the street or stormdrain. Use the City's curbside yard waste collection program, and self haul limbs to the City's chipping facility. Consider composting or grasscycling your grass and leaf waste.

Pet Waste

Pet waste is considered raw sewage. Allowing it to enter our waterways releases both potentially harmful bacteria and oxygen-consuming materials. Dispose of pet wastes by flushing them down the toilet or by placing them in the trash for regular collection.

Erosion

Soil that erodes from yard and construction sites increases the sediment load in waterways, blocking sunlight essential for aquatic plants, fish and animals. Plant grasses and legumes to hold soil until trees and shrubs become established. Use mulch or other netting on steep banks and slopes. Leave natural vegetation buffers along ditches, streams, and runoff channels.

Hazardous Household Materials

Motor Oil

can damage or kill underwater vegetation and aquatic life.

Antifreeze

is composed of primarily ethylene glycol, a sweet and poisonous compound which can kill pets, fish, and other wildlife.

Paint and paint rinse water

can contain lead, mercury, and organic solvents, all of which can negatively affect the environment. Never rinse painting equipment where the rinse water can run into the storm drain.

Fertilizers

can contain large amounts of phosphorus and nitrogen which deplete oxygen in water, resulting in fish kills.

Pesticides

contain toxic materials that are harmful to humans, animals, aquatic organisms, and plants. Do not overuse fertilizers or misuse pesticides.

RESOURCES

Take pride in protecting Lawrence's water quality. Help prevent pollutants from entering our stormwater drainage system. By changing some of our personal habits, we can help maintain the quality of life in our watershed and lessen the impacts downstream. Use the following resources for information on the disposal of unwanted materials, recycling, and the use of less toxic alternatives.

Storm Water Division
(785) 832-3136

Call to report illegal dumping in storm drains.

Solid Waste Division
(785) 832-3022

Trash is collected once a week from Lawrence residents. Citywide curbside collection of grass and leaves for composting is on Mondays starting at 6 a.m. March through mid-December. Grass and leaves should be set out in cans, carts or compostable paper bags.

Parks and Recreation Division, Forestry
(785) 832-7979

Woody Debris Drop-Off Service, located at 1110 Haskell Avenue, is in operation from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays from mid April to mid November. Call Forestry for more information.

Waste Reduction and Recycling Division
(785) 832-3030

Visit our Fact Sheets page for more information on backyard composting, grasscycling, toxics reduction strategies, waste prevention, and recycling in the Lawrence community. If you would like a copy of any of this information, call our information line, at (785) 832-3030.

Household Hazardous Waste Program
(785) 832-3030

The City of Lawrence/Douglas County Household Hazardous Waste Facility is accepting hazardous waste from Douglas County households throughout the year by APPOINTMENT ONLY. Call the Waste Reduction and Recycling Division at (785) 832-3030 to schedule a drop-off appointment for any unwanted paint, pesticides, cleaners, automotive products and more. Click here for materials accepted and other information about this program.

Kansas StreamLink
(785) 840-0700

StreamLink helps provide educational opportunities related to watersheds and water quality.

Douglas County Extension Services
(785) 843-7058

The horticulture specialist can provide information about fertilizer, pesticides, and less toxic alternatives.