FAQs • Andover • CivicEngage

Is it okay to wash or sweep leaves, grass, soil, and/or other natural elements down the storm drain?: Grass and leaves repeatedly swept or washed into the storm drains can become a breeding ground for rodents and insects and can clog drains, causing localized flooding. Plant matter washed into bodies of water deprives aquatic life of oxygen as well. Soil is easily washed into storm drains when it rains and is a serious problem at many construction areas. This sediment clouds water and destroys aquatic habitats.

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Stormwater FAQs

1. Isn't stormwater runoff natural and harmless?: The rain is not to blame for the stormwater runoff problems. In fact, rainfall is completely natural. The problem is the pollution that contaminates runoff during its journey over roads, parking lots, and other impervious surfaces. Stormwater can also pick up fertilizers and chemicals from lawns and landscaped areas.

2. How can I get involved?: The City of Andover is going to form a stormwater management panel and implement a volunteer Storm Drain Stenciling Program for local organizations. If interested in either call us at 316-733-1303 ext. 235 or email us at rlanzrath@andoverks.com

3. What kinds of pollutants are found in the stormwater system?: Oil, paint products, pesticides, fertilizers, antifreeze, human and animal waste, and styrofoam cups are only a few of the many pollutants that can be found in the stormwater system.

4. What is NPDES?: NPDES stands for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, which is the compliance system for the Clean Water Act. NPDES requires that all stormwater discharges to water of the United States meet minimum federal water quality requirments More...

5. Does the City have to follow the same rules?: Yes, all operations of the City are treated the same as a private individual.

6. Is it okay to wash or sweep leaves, grass, soil, and/or other natural elements down the storm drain?: Grass and leaves repeatedly swept or washed into the storm drains can become a breeding ground for rodents and insects and can clog drains, causing localized flooding. Plant matter washed into bodies of water deprives aquatic life of oxygen as well. Soil is easily washed into storm drains when it rains and is a serious problem at many construction areas. This sediment clouds water and destroys aquatic habitats.

7. Why should I care about what goes down the storm drain?: Everyone should be concerned about stormwater quality becuase what we put down the storm drain ends up in locations used for drinking water and recreation areas. Everyone lives downstream from someone.

8. What Is Soil Erosion?: The wearing away of land surface by wind or water. Erosion occurs naturally from weather or runoff, but can be intensified by land-clearing practices related to farming, residential or industrial development, road building or timber cutting.