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City of Dallas, Georgia
Stormwater Web Page

WHY SHOULD WE CARE ABOUT Stormwater Pollution?

  • Drinking Water

Stormwater pollution can impact our surface waters which directly impacts the source of our drinking water.  Water is a staple in our daily lives. We use it for drinking, washing our clothes, showering, watering our lawns and more.

As pollution continues to impact drinking water supplies, there will be continued efforts to test and treat contaminants, leading to increasing prices for clean and safe drinking water.

 

  • Habitat

Urban development can alter their habitat by polluting water, changing water temperature, degrading in-stream and riparian habitat, and altering the natural flow of rivers and streams. Water pollution creates an unhealthy environment for habitat and wildlife that live in and around waterways.  The erosion of sediment into rivers and streams can be detrimental to fish and other aquatic life that need gravel and rocks to spawn and rear their young (i.e. fish and frogs). Sediment can also fill in pools that are an important part of fish habitat.

 

  • Recreation

Stormwater pollution is a serious problem for wildlife dependent on our waterways and for the people who live near polluted rivers, lakes and streams. It can cause a decline in fish populations, disturb habitats and limit water recreation activities. E. Coli (Escherichia coli) bacteria from human and animal waste is often carried in polluted stormwater runoff posing a threat to humans and the overall health of the ecosystem.

 

  • Quality of Life

Uncontrolled stormwater pollution affects the way a stream or other water body looks and smells, making it unpleasant to be near. This can impact the quality of life for everyone living in and around a community.  Increased nutrients, usually from fertilizers, may cause algae blooms, particularly on ponds and small lakes. These algae blooms not only make the pond look bad, they choke out the other vegetation and aquatic life.  Trash and debris in the drainage system can lead to foul odors and may attract rats and other pests. Large amounts of sediment can harm the quality of life and reduce opportunities for recreation due to infilling of creeks, ponds and lakes.  If trash reaches the stream, it ruins the beauty for everyone.

 

 

WHERE DOES STORMWATER POLLUTION COME FROM?

 

There are many different types and sources of stormwater pollution. There are the four main categories of land uses that have impacts on our water resources. 

  • Commercial - Involves businesses that are retail oriented or perform services for customers. Examples include auto service shops, gas stations, restaurants and lawn care services.   Motor oil, antifreeze, oil filters and cleaners can all be potentially harmful to the environment if not recycled. Oil and grease contain hydrocarbon compounds, some of which can injure or kill aquatic life even at low concentrations.
  • Industrial - Land uses that are involves in manufacturing, production or transportation, including construction activities.  Waste generated at an industrial site, when exposed to rain or outdoor watering, can wash into rivers, streams and lakes.
  • Residential - Residential areas and neighborhoods can significantly impact rivers, lakes and streams due to polluted stormwater runoff. Improper disposal of yard clippings, fertilizer, pesticides, and herbicides can lead to the exposure of excessive nutrients can discharge into receiving waters (lakes, rivers, streams, and creeks).  Washing your vehicle on the driveway or street allows a perfect opportunity for the soapy water and other cleaning chemicals to make their way down the street into a storm drain and the nearest stream. The household hazardous wastes in and around your home can affect your family and pets and can be toxic to fish and wildlife. A simple solution to water pollution is picking up after your dog. When it rains, your pet's "business" is washed down into the street and storm drain contaminating our rivers, lakes and streams with unhealthy levels of bacteria.
  • Institutional - Institutions such as schools, universities, hospitals, churches and government facilities can cause water pollution in the same way that businesses and residents can generate it. The types of waste are similar to that of any home or work environment and if not disposed of or managed properly can cause adverse effects on the environment.

 

How you can help!

  • Never dump anything down a storm drain or drainage ditch.
  • Recycle motor oil and other vehicle fluids.
  • Throw litter in its place.
  • Clean up after your pet.
  • Check your vehicles for leaks (repair them!)
  • Reduce the amount of household hazardous wastes generated at home.
  • Compost yard clippings.
  • Use fertilizer and pesticide only when needed. (Read the label!)
  •  If you wash your vehicle at home, do so on the lawn rather than on pavement.
  • Tell a friend or neighbor about how to prevent stormwater pollution and get involved in your community.

 

 

 

Reporting stormwater problems

 

To report a stormwater problem, such as:

  • Illegal Dumping
  • Suspicious Discharge
  • Muddy Runoff
  • Clogged Drainage Structures
  • Flooding
  • Stream Obstructions
  • Structure Repairs

Send an email to jcollings@dallas-ga.gov

Call Public Works at (770) 445-8506 or (770) 443-8117

 

All reported problems will be addressed during working hours - 8am to 5pm Monday through Friday.

 

 
Emergencies should be reported to the Dallas Police Department at (770) 443-8100.

 

Thank you for helping us protect our local streams!

 

 

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