Storm drains and drainage ditches in HCMUD 71 are designed to carry rainwater runoff, not trash or yard debris. What many people don’t realize is that these systems flow directly into our lakes, detention ponds, and local bayous without treatment. That means anything dumped into a storm drain is carried straight into the water we share with our neighbors and local wildlife. This includes grass clippings, leaves, soil, mulch, fertilizer, household chemicals, motor oil, paint, litter, and other waste that should never enter the stormwater system. Even small amounts of pollution can have a big impact.
Trash and Yard Waste Pollute Our Lakes
When yard debris and other waste enter the storm system, they release harmful pollutants and excessive nutrients into the water that can lead to:
- Algae blooms, which rob water of oxygen and harm fish and aquatic life
- Elevated bacteria levels, increasing the risk of illness for people and animals
- Cloudy water, foul odors, and an overall decline in water quality
- Contaminated runoff, as fertilizers and pesticides cling to organic debris
These effects are especially noticeable in detention ponds and neighborhood lakes, where the water is relatively still. Polluted runoff harms the beauty, safety, and health of these shared spaces.
What You Can Do
- Keep yard waste out of the street and ditch areas
- Use a mulching mower or bag or bundle yard waste for proper disposal
- Avoid using chemicals before heavy rain, and store them properly to avoid spills
- After applying pesticides or fertilizer, sweep and collect any excess off hard surfaces, and water it into the soil
- Secure items intended for trash and recycling pickup
Everyone Has a Role
Clean water starts with small actions at home. By keeping trash, clippings, and chemicals out of the stormwater system, residents help preserve the health of our lakes and detention ponds. These natural features are part of what makes HCMUD 71 a great place to live. Protecting them is a shared responsibility, and it begins in our own yards.