Since Gardenerd.com is a proponent of organic gardening and environmentally friendly living practices, we are always looking for ways to spread the word about how to conserve energy, prevent pollution and give back to the earth. The LA Stormwater Program contacted us and asked if we could publish one of their articles that would help promote their cause. We are pleased to present this important message from the LA Stormwater program:
Stormwater Pollution and Gardening
Brought to you on behalf of the City of Los Angeles Stormwater Program.
Please visit www.lastormwater.org for more information and tips.
As a gardener or home DIYer, you are likely to have pesticides, fertilizers and other chemicals around your home to help maintain your landscapes. The reality is that most of these seemingly quick and efficient solutions you find on the store shelves have never been adequately assessed for human and environmental safety. During their use, toxins are released into the environment traveling vast distances though air and water, eventually being absorbed by humans and wildlife.
Part of the problem is the toxicity levels of the chemicals themselves; pesticides have been linked to premature births, Parkinson’s disease and even cancer. An even greater factor is the sheer volume of pesticides and fertilizers people use that end up in our water, air and soil, polluting our surroundings and threatening our well-being. These are toxic chemicals. You wouldn’t want your family swimming in them or drinking them!
The City of Los Angeles has two separate drainage systems—sewers and storm drains. When you wash your hands, use the toilet, or take a shower, the wastewater goes from your pipes to a sewage plant, where the water is treated, often numerous times, before being released in the ocean. The storm drains, on the other hand, are the gutters and canals that carry rainwater and urban runoff from sprinklers and hoses. This storm water picks up pollutants along the surfaces and carries it through catch basins, leading a direct and untreated path to our local waterways and beaches.
Approximately 100 million gallons of contaminated water and debris flow through the Los Angeles storm drain system each dry day. 100 million gallons is the equivalent to filling up the Rose Bowl arena to the very top! On rainy days, this daily flow can increase to 10 billion gallons.
Pollutants, which mainly include litter, motor oil, pesticides, fertilizers, paint and pet waste, are harmful to aquatic life and a direct health risk to swimmers and beach goers. Ultimately, toxins are ingested by fish and then can be ingested by humans. These pollutants can be harmful to your loved ones and your neighbors even if left out in the neighborhood.
The good thing is that storm water pollution is completely preventable. And it’s easy! The City of Los Angeles Stormwater Program will be sponsoring weekly tips for the month of January on the Gardenerd website to encourage you to join your fellow gardeners in maintaining clean and healthy neighborhoods, rivers, beaches and the ocean.
Please visit www.lastormwater.org or call(888)CLEANLA for more information or to report an illegal dumping in your neighborhood.
