Stormwater & Water Quality Management

Arlington Residents are encouraged to learn how to mitigate stormwater pollution.  The following information and website links provide information about stormwater and how to keep our waters clean.  Remember - all water that goes through the storm drains goes to our rivers, such as the Loosahatchie River.

RESIDENTIAL TIPS to Reduce Stormwater Pollution  -  Water quality is important: we all want clean, safe water! While businesses have their roles in reducing stormwater pollution, so do homeowners and private citizens.  Preventing pollution starts at HOME.  Here are a few tips on what you can do to protect our waterways:

• Never dump anything down storm drains.  Paint and cleaning chemicals should never be dumped in storm drains. And don't wash your paint brushes and trays into the street or gutter. (our sewer system is treated; storm drains are not)
• Use fertilizers sparingly and sweep up driveways, sidewalks, and roads.
• Pick up after your pet.  Pet waste contains excessive nutrients and bacteria, which are harmful to humans, animals, and plants. ALWAYS bag your pet waste and dispose of properly – never leave pet waste on lawns, trails or public areas.
• Plant grass or plants on the bare spots in your yard. Bare spots can cause soil to wash into storm drains, and choke out natural vegetation and aquatic life.
• Compost your yard waste; or bag leaves and grass. Do not leave them in the gutter or on sidewalks.  The nutrients in cut grass, when mixed with other organic materials such as leaves, can improve the soil quality in your lawn and garden. Leaves and grass can clog drains, causing flooding.
• Avoid pesticides; learn about Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
• Direct downspouts away from paved surfaces.  This allows water from the roof to soak into your lawn, instead of running down sidewalks or driveways, where it can pick up pollutants and sediments and carry them into the storm sewers.
• Take your car to the car wash or wash where it drains to your landscaping instead of the driveway. This keeps soap and debris out of storm drains.
• Have your septic tank pumped and system inspected regularly.
• Consider harvesting your rainwater using rain barrels or install a rain garden!
• Take chemicals to the Shelby County Household Hazardous Waste located at 6305 Haley Road. Find more information at:  Shelby County Household Hazardous Waste 
• Look for other steps you can take to improve our water quality. For example, if you see trash, pick it up and dispose of it properly before it gets into our waterways.
• Contact Us -   If you see illegal activities, call the Public Works Department at (901) 867-4980 to report it.
  

• Stormwater Information for Parents, Kids and Teachers
• Landscaping and Lawn care
• Stormwater Runoff Challenge Crossword Puzzle
• Protecting Water Quality from Urban Runoff