Stormwater Pollution Prevention - Litter

Summary

In North Texas, litter can travel through storm drains and end up polluting streams, lakes, and ponds, which are vital sources of drinking water. This pollution harms wildlife, increases the cost of water treatment, and poses environmental risks. Simple actions like sealing trash bags, securing items in trucks, and avoiding windy days can help prevent litter from spreading. By taking these steps, individuals can contribute to cleaner communities and protect valuable water resources from contaminants, ensuring safer, more sustainable water for everyone.

Takeaways

• 😀 Litter is often overlooked, but it has a significant impact on the environment.
• 🌧️ High winds and heavy rainfall in North Texas cause litter to travel into storm drains.
• 💧 Storm drains lead to streams, lakes, and ponds, which are vital sources of drinking water.
• 🐟 These water bodies are home to wildlife and serve as recreational areas like swimming, fishing, and kayaking.
• ⚠️ Litter contains harmful contaminants and bacteria that can pollute water sources and harm wildlife.
• 💰 Cleaning up litter is expensive for cities and adds to the cost of water treatment.
• 🛑 Items like plastic bags, straws, bottles, and cigarette butts contribute significantly to litter problems.
• 🗑️ Properly sealing trash bags, bins, and recycling containers can prevent trash from blowing around.
• 🚗 Secure trash in trucks to prevent it from being blown away by wind during transport.
• 🌬️ Avoid disposing of trash on windy days to minimize the risk of litter spreading.
• 🌍 By following simple steps, individuals can help reduce litter, beautify communities, and protect drinking water sources.

Q & A

What happens to litter in North Texas due to high winds and heavy rainfall?

Litter is blown around the watershed, eventually making its way into storm drains, which carry it to streams, lakes, and ponds.

Why is litter in our water bodies a problem?

Litter contains contaminants and bacteria that are harmful to wildlife and pollutes drinking water sources, raising the cost of water treatment.

What impact does litter have on our drinking water?

Litter pollutes drinking water sources, which increases the cost of treatment needed to meet safe drinking water standards.

How does litter in waterways affect wildlife?

Litter harms wildlife by introducing contaminants and bacteria into their habitat, which can disrupt ecosystems and threaten animal health.

What are some of the common types of litter mentioned in the video?

Common types of litter include plastic bags, straws, bottles, and cigarette butts.

How does litter affect the cost of city services?

Cleaning up litter is an expensive and difficult task for cities, requiring significant resources to manage waste and prevent it from polluting water sources.

What can individuals do to help reduce litter in their communities?

Individuals can seal trash bags, close trash can and recycling bin lids, secure items in the back of trucks, and avoid disposing of trash on windy days.

What should you do with trash or recycling bins before putting them on the curb?

Ensure that trash bags are sealed and the lids of trash cans and recycling bins are closed to prevent litter from spilling out or attracting critters.

Why is it important to secure the load when taking trash to a dumpster?

Securing the load prevents trash from blowing out of trucks and spilling into the streets, especially on windy days.

How can reducing litter help beautify communities?

By reducing litter, communities look cleaner and more inviting, while also preventing pollution and protecting local water sources from contamination.