How To Prevent Water Pollution In Gwinnett County

Gwinnett County is asking residents to do their part in protecting the health of waterways by preventing pollution from entering the stormwater drainage system. The stormwater system is different than the drinking water and sanitary sewer systems, the county said in a news release.

The water we use to bathe, drink, and clean dishes goes through a filtering process before it reaches our taps. The dirty water from our showers, sinks, and toilets is filtered before it reenters the environment. Stormwater is different, the county added.

The stormwater system consists only of drains, pipes, and ditches that collect stormwater runoff and direct it into our waterways-unfiltered. If pollutants aren't prevented from being washed away with runoff into storm drains, major health issues can arise from the waterways.

Here are a few reminders of what you can do to keep your waterways healthy:

• Never dump anything down storm drains, including yard trimmings
• Check your vehicle for leaks and repair them quickly
• Clean up after your pets
• Avoid overspray of lawn care products onto sidewalks and driveways

The Gwinnett County Illicit Discharge and Illegal Connection Ordinance prohibits the discharge of anything other than stormwater into any part of the stormwater drainage system. To report illicit discharges to a storm drain, please call DWR at 678.376.7000.