Plano urges residents to prevent stormwater pollution

A City of Plano staff member urged residents to adopt simple practices to keep rainwater from carrying pollutants into local creeks and drinking water sources, advising steps such as using phosphate-free car soap, directing rinse water onto lawns and gravel, and properly disposing of motor oil, paint and pool backwash.

Stormwater — runoff from rain and sprinklers that flows into storm drains — is not treated at a wastewater plant before it reaches streams, lakes and reservoirs. "Every time it rains, water that doesn't soak into the ground rushes into storm drains, carrying with it everything we leave on our streets, driveways, and gutters," the staff member said, listing common sources of pollution and how residents can reduce them.

The staff member said residents who wash vehicles at home should choose phosphate-free, eco-friendly soaps, attach a spray nozzle to reduce water use and direct rinse water onto lawns or gravel so soil can act as a first filter. They warned that lawn chemicals, if washed into drains by rain or sprinklers, can fuel algae blooms and harm fish; residents were advised to "spread chemicals sparingly following label directions" and to avoid application immediately before rain.

The city also provided specific guidance for other common sources of pollution. Pool backwash should be tested for pH and kept between 6 and 8 and be free of filter media and solids; instead of dumping into the street or alley, residents were instructed to send backwash to a household drain so it will be treated. The staff member asked residents to "Recycle used motor oil at certified drop off centers" and to fix vehicle leaks promptly to avoid oil and antifreeze washing into storm drains.

For disposal of grease, leftover paint and solvents, the staff member advised cooling and collecting grease in a sealed container and called out the city's collection option: residents may call the City of Plano at (972) 769-4150 to schedule grease or paint/solvent collection. The announcement also urged pet owners to pick up pet waste and dispose of it in sealed bags and recommended mulching when mowing and composting or bagging yard waste for curbside pickup rather than sweeping trimmings into gutters.

"Would you drink that oil slick?" the staff member asked, using the rhetorical question from the city's guidance to underscore the risk to drinking water and aquatic life. The notice closed with a reminder that small, regular actions by residents can add up to substantial improvements in local water quality and public health.

For collection or disposal scheduling, residents were given the city phone number (972) 769-4150.