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Residents & HOAs - Stormwater

sediment is a pollutant Don't let your leaves and branches go down the drain

Fall Friendly Reminder: Please recycle, mulch or bag those leaves and branches and don't let them make their way to the storm drain. Clogged storm drains cause flooding and when leaves make their way to our streams and lakes, they contribute nutrients that cause algae blooms. Please keep our streets and waterways clean! Watch the video

Rains DrainsDid you know that you can prevent water pollution?

All water that flows into a storm drain inlet discharges into a local waterway untreated.

Pollution prevention starts in the home. You can make a difference   by picking up your dog’s waste and applying fertilizer to your lawn sparingly. Leaves getting caught in storm drains can cause flooding. You can prevent this by collecting leaves and putting them in your yard waste bin or taking them to the Recycle Center.

Washing your car at the car wash or on a grassy area prevents soapy, dirty water from flowing into the street and eventually into the storm drains, lakes, rivers and other waterways.

You can prevent water pollution and help keep our streams and rivers clean!

 

Watch some of these videos from Penn State Extension.  Although they discuss stormwater in Pennsylvania, it works the same here and the solution are the same.

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Options to recycle fallen leaves locally:

  • Sign up for curbside collection of yard trimmings with your waste hauler. Leaves and other yard trimmings will be composted
  • Connect with neighbors who need leaves through online social networks such as Nextdoor, Facebook or ShareWaste
  • Visit our A-Z list for local yard waste drop-off options
  • Compost them at home to feed your soil
  • Use a mulching lawnmower to mulch dry leaves into your grass
  • Cover garden beds with them to provide insulation over the winter
  • Larimer County Green Waste Program

fertilizer poster

When it rains, fertilizer runs off your lawn into storm drains and streams.

  • Don't over-water your lawn. Consider using a soaker hose or drip irrigation instead of a sprinkler.
  • Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly.
  • Consider using natural fertilizers such as compost.
  • Select pest-resistant plants or try companion planting to reduce the need for garden chemicals.
  • Do not store landscaping materials or soil in the street. Prevent soil from washing into the storm drains.

Dirt from construction sites can cause sediment and debris to be carried into storm drains.

  • Sweep up litter and dirt from sidewalks and driveways.
  • Prevent dirt from leaving the construction site. Seed and mulch or establish lawns in bare areas as soon as possible.
  • Dispose of paint and cleaning materials properly. call the Hazardous Waste Disposal Hotline at (970) 498-5771.

Best Management Practices for Construction
Best Management Practices for Small Construction Sites.
Stormwater Pollution Prevention - Urban
Stormwater Pollution Prevention - Rural

 

Washing your car and degreasing auto parts at home can send detergents and other contaminants through the storm sewer system.

  • Use a commercial car wash that treats or recycles its wastewater.
  • Pour soapy water down the sink, not on the street
  • Use phosphate free and biodegradable cleaners
  • If a spill occurs, use cat litter or sawdust to soak up fluid.  Then dispose of used absorbent in the trash.

Recycle vehicle maintenance products. Call Larimer County's Hazardous Waste Disposal line at (970) 498-5771 for information on the materials they accept, or visit there webpage here

Oil and Stormwater Quality

 

EPA's Safer Choice for environmentally friendly cleaning products

Safer Choice

Leaking or poorly maintained septic systems release nutrients and pathogens (that can cause public health problems and environmental concerns) that can be picked up by stormwater and discharged into nearby bodies of water.

  • Inspect your system every 3 years and pump your tank as necessary (every 3 to 5 years).
  • Don't dispose of household hazardous waste in sinks or toilets. Call the Household Hazardous Waste Hotline at (970) 498-5771.

State and county laws require that a permit be issued by the Larimer County Health and Environment Department prior to constructing or making repairs to a septic system.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency is a good resource for information on septic systems.
 

pooop poster

Pet waste contains bacteria that can end up in local waterways.  When walking your pet, remember to pick up the waste and wrap it securely before putting it in the trash.

Manure can be a valuable resource but can also be a source of water pollution, odor, flies, parasites, and other nuisances. If not properly managed, manure can contaminate drinking water, harm wildlife, and reduce property values.

  • Divert clean water away from manure
  • Ensure manure discharge will not enter a water body or leave the property
  • Protect groundwater
  • Reduce nuisances like flies and odor

Manure Management for Small Acreages

Guide of Resource Stewardship Plans for Equestrian Operations

Low Risk Discharge Guidance for Swimming Pools

Brochures:

Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)
Per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Larimer County will provide a reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with a disability who need assistance. Services can be arranged with at least seven business days' notice. Please email us at eng-general@co.larimer.co.us or by calling (970) 498-5700 or Relay Colorado 711. "Walk-in" requests for auxiliary aids and services will be honored to the extent possible but may be unavailable if advance notice is not provided.