Stormwater AwarenessUniversity Seminar 1100

Instructor Workshop

Stormwater AwarenessWhat is stormwater?

Rainwater that does not soak into the soil and grass

Rainwater that runs off our streets, parking lots, concrete, etc.

Stormwater AwarenessWhere does it go?

Runoff flows to ditches and guttersInto storm drains and underground pipesDirectly into our creeks and river

Untreated and Unfiltered

Why is this bad?Unfiltered stormwater can have contaminates

and bacteria such as: Oil and gasoline Fertilizers Pesticides Soil Grass clippings Trash Pet waste Cigarette butts

Stormwater Awareness

BAD

Stormwater AwarenessThe San Marcos River is our treasured water for

recreation…

…and is home to 5 threatened and endangered species

Example: Texas Wild Rice

Example: Texas Blind Salamander

Stormwater AwarenessHow Can I help?

Respect and protect our river Don’t litter & pick up trash others leave behind (can

end up in storm drains and in river) Recycle your cans & water bottles Encourage others to do the same

How Can I Help?o Report illegal dumping

• Don’t throw items or dump chemicals down storm drains

• If you see someone doing it, report it immediately• Below are contacts of offices you can contact to

report any illegal disposal of items into storm drains• City of San Marcos: (512) 393-8036• Texas State University, EHSRM: (512) 245-3616

Stormwater Awareness BAD

How Can I Help?

Dispose of used oil/hazardous waste properly Campus: EHSRM disposes of campus hazardous

wastes City Residents: Residents can drop off waste at

Household Hazardous Waste events

Clean up after your pooch Pet waste can end up in the river Bacteria in waste can make swimmers sick

Stormwater Awareness

Stormwater AwarenessHow Can I Help?

Volunteer Habitat Conservation Plan

Tree planting along river banks River Clean-Ups Spread the Word