Our Community in Fairfax County, Virginia

When it rains, the water that runs down your street "disappears" down the storm drains.  Have you ever stopped to wonder where the water goes?  Storm drains do not lead to wastewater treatment facilities.  Any substance that goes into the storm drain goes directly into a local stream and eventually makes its way into the Chesapeake Bay.

Items typically placed in storm drains include motor oil, antifreeze, and paint.  These substances can damage and kill underwater vegetation and aquatic life as well as the birds and animals that feed on them.  Other contaminants include:

• Animal waste - Dumped into a storm drain or left on the ground to run off with the next rain, animal waste contains bacteria that are harmful to the environment.
• Yard waste - Once in the water, leaves and other yard waste decompose rapidly, adding excessive nutrients.
• Plastic and foam containers - These items do not decompose and can kill wildlife that eat or become entangled in them.