What is a storm water drainage system?

A storm water drainage system is a network of catch basins, yard inlets and pipes that keeps water from flooding roads and property. Water is diverted through the network to streams, lakes, ponds, and wetlands.

What problems can storm water cause?

Storm water runoff picks up anything in its path and delivers it to our water resources. Pollutants including oil, yard waste, fertilizers, litter, and sediment in storm water can harm these resources.

In an area with natural ground cover, only 10 percent of rainwater becomes runoff. The remainder is absorbed or evaporates. In urban areas, up to 55 percent of rainfall can become runoff. This increased runoff can cause flooding, erosion and property damage if not wisely managed.

Doesn't storm water go to a treatment plant?

No. Unlike wastewater, which is treated before it is released back into the environment, storm water flows into a community's ponds, streams and lakes. Because storm water comes in large amounts at unpredictable times, treating it as waste water would be very expensive.

Other than these new ordinances, what else is Cary doing to protect water quality?

The buffer ordinance is expected to preserve thousands of acres along streams. The Town Council has set aside millions of dollars in utility rate revenue for open space preservation.

The Town of Cary also has a sewer maintenance program that includes:

• 24-hour response to wastewater system problems, including sewer spills and pump station malfunctions
• Collection system surveys, including use of video
• Easement clearing to provide unrestricted access to collection lines for maintenance or repair
• Preventive hydraulic cleaning of collection lines to maintain free flow condition
• Continual updating of the Town mapping system for timely response to service issues
• Scheduled preventive and corrective maintenance to all wastewater pumping stations
• Continual upgrading of wastewater lines

What can I do to reduce pollution in storm water runoff?

Dispose of wastes properly. Use the minimum amount of chemicals on your yard. Don't fertilize shortly before it rains. Maintain your car so that it does not leak oil and other fluids. You can also route the flow from roof gutters, driveways and sidewalks to natural areas on your property to help reduce the quantity of storm water runoff. Another option is to add rain barrels below your gutters to harvest rain for watering your plants.

What are those fish painted on my storm drain?

Those fish are reminders that your storm drains are connected to streams and lakes. Learn more about storm drain stenciling.

What cannot enter a storm drain?

• Oil, anti-freeze, paint, cleaning fluids
• Wash water from a commercial car wash
• Industrial discharges
• Contaminated foundation drains
• Cooling water unless no chemicals have been added and proper discharge permits are in place
• Wash water from commercial / industrial activities
• Sanitary sewer discharges
• Septic tank discharges
• Washing machine discharges
• Chlorinated backwash and draining associated with swimming pools