The City of Fargo has launched a public awareness campaign that encourages residents to help keep Fargo’s stormwater system free of debris and harmful pollutants. The campaign’s central message – “Only Rain Down the Drain” – reminds community members that storm drains flow directly into local waterways and are not designed to filter trash, chemicals or other contaminants.
As part of the campaign, three billboards will be displayed throughout Fargo during the spring and summer months. Additional outreach will include social media messages and educational videos explaining how everyday actions can impact waterways, including the Red River, a key source of the community’s drinking water. The campaign helps the City, as an operator of a municipal stormwater system, fulfill a federal requirement to inform residents about the effects of stormwater pollution.
“Our goal is to protect the waterways that receive stormwater runoff from our community,” said Peggy Amsbaugh, a City of Fargo Engineering Technician who specializes in erosion and sediment control. “Simple actions by residents – like keeping grass clippings and trash out of streets and storm drains, properly disposing of chemicals and picking up pet waste – can make a significant difference in safeguarding our water quality.”
Storm drains are intended to carry rainwater and snowmelt away from streets and neighborhoods. When pollutants such as oil, fertilizer, paint, litter or yard waste enter the storm sewer system, they can travel untreated into rivers, ponds and drainage channels.
Residents are encouraged to follow these stormwater protection practices:
• Keep leaves, grass clippings and trash out of streets and storm drains
• Fix vehicle leaks promptly
• Properly dispose of hazardous materials
• Never pour oil, paint, pesticides or chemicals into storm drains
• Apply fertilizers and pesticides according to label directions
• Pick up and properly dispose of pet waste
• Wash vehicles on lawns or at commercial car washes when possible
The City’s Storm Water Management Program includes public education, pollution prevention, construction site runoff control and efforts to detect and eliminate illicit discharges into the storm sewer system. Residents can learn more about stormwater management, erosion and sediment control, and ways to help protect local waterways by visiting FargoND.gov/Stormwater.