Protect our Storm Drains

Some time back during our rainy season, during the late night on a Monday and early Tuesday morning, we experienced a hard, pouring rain coupled with high winds.  This particular Tuesday morning storm visited our neighborhood in the hours prior to our trash and recycle pick up. 

That morning began with a number of scattered trash cans and the associated scattered trash throughout the neighborhood.  Of course, this is inevitable and it will happen again.  What few of us ever think about but certainly appreciate when such storms come calling are our storm drains. 

Our storm drains system works on gravity; water flowing downhill toward our retention ponds where the storm water collects until it eventually drains into the adjoining creek or bayou intended to receive that water and move it further downstream toward Galveston Bay.  Along the way such things as grass clippings, vegetation, tree limbs, leaves, aluminum cans, plastic water bottles and various and sundry articles of refuse -all solid materials light enough to be moved by wind and flowing water end up in the same place – in our retention ponds where they are regularly scooped up and removed by our lake management service.  In the “perfect storm”, a collection of tree debris, leaves, plastic water bottles, soft drink cans, grocery bags and similar material can cause a stoppage or partial stoppage in our drain system. 

Please be mindful that blowing trash can be harmful to our drain system.  Always secure items, especially recyclables like plastic bottles and bags that can easily be carried away by wind or water.   Our small recycling containers are often full to overflowing.  If this describes your recycle bin, please consider acquiring a larger bin with a lid that will keep these items contained. 

Even if you only have a small bag of garbage, please place it in the garbage bin. Animals are curious about what you leave behind, so this will help minimize their scavenger work and presence.

Our drain system will thank you!