Many residents use fertilizers, weed killers, pesticides, and other lawn products to maintain their yards and landscaping. When used properly, these products can support healthy turf and plants. However, when yard chemicals are overapplied, spilled, or washed into the street, they can enter the storm drainage system and affect nearby waterways.
Storm drains are designed to collect rainwater runoff from streets, sidewalks, driveways, and yards. Unlike wastewater from sinks, showers, and toilets, stormwater is not treated at a wastewater treatment facility before it moves through the drainage system. In many cases, runoff travels through storm sewer pipes, ditches, swales, detention ponds, and regional drainage channels before reaching local bayous and creeks.
Anything left on hard surfaces or carried by runoff can move with stormwater. Fertilizer granules, herbicides, pesticides, and other lawn chemicals can be washed from driveways, sidewalks, curbs, and streets into storm drains during rainfall or irrigation runoff. Even small amounts can contribute to algae growth, affect aquatic life, or create potentially hazardous chemical buildup in ponds and drainage areas.
In order to protect our area waterways, it is a violation of HCMUD 71’s Rate Order to dispose of unauthorized chemicals or materials in the storm drainage system. Violations of the Rate Order are punishable by fines of up to $20,000 per violation.
How Can You Help?
Residents can reduce the risk by applying lawn products carefully and only as directed on the label. More product does not mean better results, and overapplication can harm plants, waste money, and increase the chance that chemicals will wash away before they are absorbed.
Additionally, avoid applying fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides before heavy rain is expected as they will likely be washed into the storm drains.
After applying yard products, residents should sweep any excess granules or material off sidewalks, driveways, and curbs and back onto the lawn or landscape bed where they can be properly watered into the soil. Do not rinse these materials into the street with a hose, as that sends them directly toward the storm drainage system.
Proper storage matters as well. Lawn chemicals should be kept in sealed containers, stored in a covered area, and protected from rain. Spills should be cleaned up promptly according to the product label, and unused or unwanted chemicals should be disposed of according to local household hazardous waste guidance rather than poured outside or into a drain.
HCMUD 71 encourages residents to be mindful of how yard chemicals are used and stored. Small habits, such as checking the forecast, applying only what is needed, sweeping hard surfaces after application, and keeping materials out of storm drains, can help protect detention ponds, drainage channels, and the waterways downstream.
By using lawn products responsibly, residents can maintain attractive yards while helping protect the water resources that serve the broader Katy area.