What’s Stormwater Pollution? A Complete Guide for Lubbock Citizens

We all know that Lubbock is not the most prepared when it comes to heavy rainfall. The drainage systems tend to get overwhelmed quite fast, and one of the worst side effects from this happens to be something called stormwater pollution.

What Is Stormwater Pollution?

As rainwater gathers and travels across roads, sidewalks, and lawns, it picks up certain pollutants that either don't or can't soak into the ground. This process is called stormwater pollution and can wreak havoc on our playa lakes, let alone on our yards and gardens.

There are five separate variations of stormwater pollution that I'm sure are somewhere in a Jeopardy question, so listen carefully.

Sediment and Nutrient Pollution

Sediment pollution causes the water to have a cloudy appearance that prevents sunlight from reaching the plant life underneath. The most common cause of this form of pollution is from construction sites that were not properly cleaned up.

Depending on the size of the particles, sediment pollution can also block storm drains and water channels, so it's important to keep the pathways clean.

Nutrient pollution is exactly what it sounds like. Nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizer and pet waste can promote excess algae growth if the water stands for too long. Algae can suck up the oxygen in water which threatens fish. This is why it's always important to keep your aquariums clean!

Bacteria, Litter, and Chemical Pollution

Bacteria and litter pollution are typically caused by humans. That's right, overflowing septic tanks, plastic bags, Styrofoam cups, and cigarettes are the most common examples.

Bacterial pathogens can seriously harm any living thing, both plant and animal, that comes in contact with the running water. Also, floating trash and litter can serve as choking hazards for wildlife, so it's incredibly important that we avoid leaving these outside, especially during heavy rainfall.

Finally, chemical pollution like household cleaners, pesticides, and motor oil are horrible for nature. These should all be disposed of properly, NOT just dumped outside to be swept away with the current.

You can learn more about stormwater pollution and how to prevent it on the City of Lubbock website. Standing water is problematic enough in Lubbock, the last thing we need is to make it worse with poor maintenance.