Only Rain Down the Storm Drain

Stormwater runoff is a major source of water pollution. That is why Cleveland Water Pollution Control created a public education campaign called Only Rain Down the Storm Drain. The campaign helps educate Cleveland residents and business owners as well as others about best practices to lessen the impact stormwater runoff on the environment, particularly local waterways, such as the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie.

Rainwater or snowmelt is stormwater. Runoff happens when rain and snow melt are not soaked into the ground, but flow over hard/impervious pavements. The runoff washes contaminants that are on the ground into storm drains that may flow directly into local streams, creeks, the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie. It is especially important that we protect Lake Erie, which is Northeast Ohio’s main source of drinking water. Contaminants, such as motor oil, fertilizers, pesticides and animal waste can be washed into storm drains and catch basins by stormwater and even water from yard sprinklers.

Our Campaign

Residents and others also are encouraged by the campaign to report illegal dumping. Violators can be fined up to $1,000 for each occurrence, such as pouring chemicals into a catch basin or storm drain or dumping old tires on the side of a road. Currently there are three themes to the Only Rain Down the Storm Drain campaign.

 

 

ILLEGAL DUMPING IS AGAINST THE LAW

Illegal dumping of trash, bulk items or even a soda can may potentially obstruct the sewer system and harm the environment. 

 

 

 

 

You Can Make a Difference!

Just a few simple changes in our daily lives and personal habits can have a huge positive impact on our environment, especially water quality. 

 

 

 

Do the Right Thing: Proper Disposal 

Hazardous household waste, such as paints and some cleaners, can be harmful to the environment if not disposed of properly. 

 

 

Free Rain Barrel Program

The Summer Rain Barrel Program is designed to provide free rain barrels for residents within the service areas for both Cleveland Water (CWD) and the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District (NEORSD). The Rain Barrel Program is an effort to reduce stormwater runoff, educate residents about the effects of runoff and stormwater management best practices and to help residents save money.

 

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Make a Difference

Stormwater Management

We do our part to help you and the environment.

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Green Projects

Green projects help manage wet weather impacts, such as flooding, and they can restore some natural processes required to manage water in urban environments.

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