Only Rain Down the Drain

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Storm Water Diagram Stormwater runoff is generated from rain and snowmelt that flows over land or impervious surfaces (e.g., paved streets, parking lots, building rooftops) and does not soak into the ground. The runoff picks up pollutants such as trash, chemicals, oils and dirt/sediment that can harm our rivers, streams, lakes and coastal waters. To protect these resources, communities, construction companies, industries and others, use stormwater controls, known as best management practices (BMPs). These BMPs filter pollutants and/or prevent pollution by controlling it at its source. (Source: EPA/ADEQ)

Additional Resources

The stormwater generated in the City of Yuma is captured through a series of separate storm sewer networks with different catch basins and detention basins and discharged into the receiving body through gravity or pumped using the lift stations. The receiving waters for City of Yuma stormwater are Colorado River and East Main Canal.

Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4)

City of Yuma as one of the operators of small MS4s in Arizona is regulated under Arizona Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (AZPDES) General Permit.

In accordance with the Small MS4 General Permit, each MS4 is required to prepare and implement a Stormwater Management Program Plan (SWMP). The SWMP must reduce the discharge of pollutants to the “maximum extent practicable”, protect water quality, and satisfy the appropriate water quality requirements of the Clean Water Act. Small MS4s must design into their programs six minimum control measures including: Public Education and Outreach; Public Participation/Involvement; Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination; Construction Site Runoff Control; and Post-Construction Runoff Control.

Things you can do to help

Vehicle

Use a commercial car wash or wash your car on a lawn or other unpaved surface to minimize the amount of dirty, soapy water flowing into the storm drain and eventually into the Colorado River.
Check your car, boat, motorcycle, and other machinery and equipment for leaks and spills. Make repairs as soon as possible. Recycle used oil and other automotive fluids at participating service stations. Don’t dump these chemicals down the storm drain or dispose of them in your trash.

Yard

Select native plants and grasses that are drought- and pest-resistant. Native plants require less water, fertilizer, and pesticides.
Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly. When use is necessary, use these chemicals in the recommended amounts. Avoid application if the forecast calls for rain; otherwise, chemicals will be washed into the river.
Whenever possible, drain your pool or spa into the sanitary sewer system. Here are some guidelines from the City of Yuma Utility Department:
- Do not treat pool water with Chlorine for 48 prior to discharging
- Discharge with hose into access “cap” of the private property sewer cleanout. DO NOT use public manholes or cleanouts.
- Plan discharge for low-use times of sewer flow such as afternoon or late night hours.
- Use small volume pump and control discharge so it doesn’t spill out.
- Please contact City Utilities Department at 373-4500 for more information to discharge into sanitary sewer.
If a clean out is not available, discharge the pool water onto residence’s lawn. It may take a few days depending on the pool volume and size of lawn. Care should be taken to not have the pool water run off the lawn into the streets.
Properly store pool and spa chemicals to prevent leaks and spills, preferably in a covered area to avoid exposure to stormwater.

Home Repair and Improvement

Purchase and use nontoxic, biodegradable, recycled, and recyclable products whenever possible.
Use hazardous substances like paints, solvents, and cleaners in the smallest amounts possible, and follow the directions on the label. Clean up spills immediately, and dispose of the waste safely. Store substances properly to avoid leaks and spills.
Take advantage of the the City’s Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Program. Check the city’s HHW Collection Event for the disposable items, collection location, date and time.

Pet Care

When walking your pet, remember to pick up the waste and dispose of it properly. Flushing pet waste is the best disposal method. Leaving pet waste on the ground increases public health risks by allowing harmful bacteria and nutrients to wash into the storm drain and eventually into the river.

(Source: EPA)

Please call complaint hotline (928-373-4520) and / or email (storm@yumaaz.gov) to report any illicit discharge or illegal dumping to the City of Yuma MS4.

For more information about the City’s stormwater management regulations and activities, or to provide any input or suggestions, readers can contact the City Engineering Department at (928) 373-4520 and/or email (storm@yumaaz.gov).

Para obtener más información sobre las regulaciones y actividades de conducción de aguas pluviales de la Ciudad, o para brindar comentarios o sugerencias, los lectores pueden comunicarse con el Departamento de Ingeniería de la Ciudad al (928) 373-4520 y/o enviar un correo electrónico(storm@yumaaz.gov).