As spring approaches, Draper City's Storm Water Division would like to provide some useful tips to improve the quality of Draper City’s storm water. The following tips are easy to implement and can be very effective:
• Close trash can lids and dumpsters when not in use to prevent trash from coming into contact with rain or snow. Closing lids can also prevent wind from blowing trash/debris onto landscaped areas and streets.
• Follow manufacturer's recommendations when applying fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides for the spring season.
• Remove falling leaves and grass clippings out of streets. Such organic matter will eventually end up in Draper City’s creeks, river, and storm drain infrastructure. This can cause unpleasant odors, clogging of pipes, and flooding of streets.
• Avoid using water whenever possible to clean driveways, sidewalks, and other paved areas. Utilize brooms, leaf blowers, or pressurized air to blow dirt, debris, grass clippings, or leaves back onto vegetated areas such as lawns or gardens.
• Before starting any home or property improvements, coordinate with your contractors to keep any building materials, stockpiled materials, tools, or machinery out of streets and driveways and away from any storm drain inlet.
• Park stored vehicles indoors or under cover if possible to avoid contact with rain or snow. Use an absorbent material like cat litter to absorb oil/chemical spills followed by a broom and dust pan.
• Refrain from feeding waterfowl. Waterfowl is the leading cause of E.coli in our watershed. When waterfowl congregate in large numbers the water shed struggles to natural filter out the harmful bacteria.
Please take an opportunity to learn more about Draper City’s Storm Water Management Plan and water quality goals by visiting our Storm Water page.
The Webpage has useful information about your storm drain system including:
• Description of where storm water comes from and goes to
• Copies of our comprehensive Storm Water Management and Storm Drain Master Plans
• Information about Draper City’s storm water utility fees
• How to report a concern
• Locations and Events for Hazardous Household Waste Drop-off Events & Locations
• Helpful tips that can protect the quality of your storm water runoff
• Frequently asked questions
• Waterway interactive maps
• Contact information
Please also take an opportunity to learn more about the Salt Lake County Coalition by visiting their website at www.stormwatercoaltion.org.