-Helpful Hints For Those Planning a Storm Sewer Stenciling Program-

Preventing Non-point
Before you stencil...
Working with your city Government


We can all help prevent non-point source pollution!

According to federal regulations adopted in 1990, cities with populations of 100,000 or more and many industries must reduce water pollution from storm sewers. We can help by planting tree, shrubs, and ground covers which increase the amount of water that soaks into the ground. This will reduce the amount of water flowing into the street and carrying pollutants to our rivers, lakes, and streams. Other things you can do include:

* Maintaining a healthy lawn (without a lot of fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides)

* Redirect down spouts from paved areas to vegetated areas

* Use a rain barrel to catch and store water for gardens

* Install gravel trenches along driveways and patios

* Use porous materials such as wooden plank or brick for walkways and patios

* If building a new home, have the driveway and walkway graded so water flows onto lawn areas

* Wash your car on the lawn, not the driveway



Working with Your City Government

Sometimes it is necessary to speak directly to your city board to get permission to stencil storm drains. This is a great opportunity for you and your group to learn more about city government and decision making. Other groups have given presentations to their City Boards to gain permission to stencil. Below are a few suggestions for a presentation:

* Spray the stencil onto a piece of poster board so the city Board can see what the stencils will look like on the streets.

* Ask your students or the younger members of your group to participate in the presentation.

* Explain what causes stormwater pollution (runoff from yards, parking lots, etc.) and then explain that stenciling is a way to educate the community and will build the awareness of stormwater pollution. You may want to prepare a fact sheet to hand out to board members.

* Storm drain stenciling is a great community building activity.



Before You Go Stenciling, Don't Forget to:

* Have Fun!

* Get permission from your city to stencil storm drains

* Have participants fill out the waiver

* Have all materials ready to go

* Put out door hanger cards and copy fact sheets for the public or schools

* Get maps of the city, streets and hopefully, the storm drain outlets

* Keep track of how many drains you stencil and how many people volunteer

* Have fun!