Stormwater protection looks to keep waterways clean
As Utah’s population grows and neighborhoods expand, the health of our waterways is increasingly impacted by what we do at home, especially when it comes to stormwater.
The Eagle Mountain Stormwater department is reminding residents that simple habits can help protect the community’s water, public health and environment.
“Stormwater isn’t treated like sewer water,” said Eagle Mountain Stormwater Supervisor Larry Diamond. “Anything that goes down a storm drain like pet waste, oil, or lawn fertilizer flows directly into our local creeks and wetlands without filtration.”
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, stormwater runoff is a leading cause of water pollution across the U.S. In Eagle Mountain, where the landscape includes dry washes and seasonal streams, untreated runoff can carry harmful substances into sensitive habitats and underground aquifers that support the region’s drinking water.
One of the most overlooked contributors to stormwater pollution is pet waste. The data is startling: a single gram contains 23 million bacteria, including harmful pathogens like E. coli, salmonella and parvovirus. When left on trails, lawns or sidewalks, rain can carry these contaminants into waterways.
“It’s a public health issue,” Diamond said. “Always bag it and trash it, even when no one’s watching.”
The Central Utah Stormwater Coalition recommends five best practices residents can follow at home:
- Pet Waste – Bag it and place it in the trash, or flush it (without the bag).
- Lawn Care – Mulch or compost grass clippings and leaves; avoid letting them enter storm drains.
- Debris – Sweep dirt into the lawn and pick up trash instead of washing it down the driveway.
- Vehicle Maintenance – Never dump oil or fluids in the gutter. Recycle at approved facilities and wash cars on lawns or at car washes.
- Household Chemicals – Fertilizers and pesticides should be used sparingly. Take extra chemicals to hazardous waste drop-off sites.
“These small choices keep our water clean and our community beautiful,” Diamond said. “We all live downstream from someone, so how we care for our property affects our neighbors, too.”
Spring and summer rains have prompted Eagle Mountain City to urge every household to do their part. Residents can prepare by directing downspouts away from their home and by taking advantage of the City’s sandbags available at the Public Works building.
For more information on responsible stormwater practices and to access printable resources, visit stormwatercoalition.org.