Living Here

Stormwater

What stormwater runoff means for Broussard's waterways — and what you can do to help protect water quality.

Stormwater facts

Stormwater runoff occurs when water flows over the ground from rain or irrigation. It can pick up debris, chemicals, dirt, and other pollutants and flow into a storm drainage system, leading directly to local waterways.
Water that enters storm drains does not get treated — the water goes directly to the local waterways.
Hazardous household waste (such as paints, cleaners, stains and varnishes, car batteries, motor oil, and pesticides) can be washed into the storm sewer system if not properly disposed. Anything that enters a storm sewer system is discharged untreated into the waterways we use for swimming, fishing, and providing drinking water.
Grass cuttings should never be blown into the street and down storm drains because they can hinder proper drainage and affect local water quality. Use a mulching mower and keep grass on the lawn; it's a natural fertilizer.
Eroding soil and mud, sometimes due to construction activities, ends up in the streets, drains, ditches, and waterways. Silt fencing, berms, or properly placed hay bales can help keep soil on site and out of storm drains.

Storm Drain Marking Program: any type of group can label storm drains, which alerts the public not to dump any waste into the drains. Contact us to learn more and schedule your group.
Schedule a field trip for your students to tour our wetland enhancement wastewater facility.
Report a problem. If you witness dumping, littering, or improper erosion control at construction sites, let us know.

Keep litter, pet wastes, leaves, and debris out of street gutters and storm drains.
Apply lawn and garden chemicals sparingly and according to directions.
Dispose of used oil, antifreeze, paints, and other household chemicals properly — not in storm sewers or drains.
Clean up spilled brake fluid, oil, grease, and antifreeze. Do not hose them into the street where they can eventually reach local streams and lakes.
Control soil erosion on your property by planting ground cover and stabilizing erosion-prone areas.
Have your septic system inspected and pumped, at a minimum every three to five years, so that it operates properly.
Purchase household detergents and cleaners that are low in phosphorus to reduce the amount of nutrients discharged into our lakes, streams, and coastal waters.