Public Education & Outreach

Public Education 1
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Stormwater runoff is rainwater that flows over land and directly into local creeks and larger waterways.  The storm drainage system transports stormwater runoff from streets and property directly into waterways.  The storm drainage system includes streets, storm drains, drainage ditches, pipes, culverts, retention ponds, wetlands, creeks, etc.  Everything that goes into our storm drainage system - pet waste, grass clippings, fertilizer, pesticides, litter, heavy metals, etc. - makes its way straight to waterways like creeks, rivers, and oceans where we fish, swim and drink.

Remember, stormwater runoff is not treated and is the #1 source of surface water pollution! It all adds up. It all comes back.

What You Can Do to Help

Since storm drains flow directly to streams without any treatment, all residents play a role in preventing polluted runoff. There are a lot you can do to prevent pollution from entering our storm systems and waterways:

  • Don’t sweep leaves, grass, soil, and other natural materials down the storm drain
  • Dispose of hazardous household chemicals properly
  • Use lawn chemicals responsibly
  • When walking your pet, remember to pick up the waste and dispose of it properly.  Click HERE for more information regarding the importance of cleaning up after your pet.
  • Wash your car in a commercial car wash
  • Report illicit dumping
  • Volunteer in the Storm Drain Stenciling Program
  • Implement Low Impact Development (LID) to reduce water pollution and increase groundwater recharge

Homeowners Association Education & Outreach

The City of Andover Stormwater Utility can come to your Home Owners Association to talk about your ponds and how to improve the water quality of your detention ponds.  It is the responsibility of owners of detention ponds to properly maintain the ponds.  The City will not fix problems due to erosion, bank stabilization failure, excessive nutrients or any other issues that may arise.  The City will however make site visits, perform limited water quality test and help guide the owners to companies or other entities that can offer solutions to problems.  Please call Matt Perez at (316)733-1303 ext. 417 to arrange for a staff member to attend your HOA meeting.

Civic Group Education & Outreach

The City of Andover Stormwater Utility can come to your civic group to discuss water quality issues and give presentations about stormwater and its relationship to our water quality/quantity.  Please call Matt Perez at (316) 733-1303 ext. 417 to arrange for a staff member to attend your civic group’s meetings.

Rain Gardens

A rain garden is an attractive addition to your property that is effective in reducing the amount of runoff leaving your property. Rain gardens utilize native plants, which have deep roots that absorb runoff, filter pollutants and promote groundwater recharge.  Click here for a rain garden tutorial.

Rain Barrels

Rain barrels are an easy and inexpensive way to store runoff where it falls, on your property. The stored water can later be used to water gardens and lawns, and is better for your plants than tap water. Barrels can be made at home or can be purchased and installation is simple. An overflow valve diverts water away from the barrel and your foundation once the barrel is full. The overflow valve can also be used to connect multiple rain barrels.  Click here for a rain barrel building tutorial.