Stormwater Education

Stormwater is the largest source of pollution in Montana’s waterways. You can help change that!

What is stormwater?

Stormwater is water from rain or snow that runs over land, streets, parking lots, and rooftops. This water picks up trash chemicals, and other pollutants as it flows into surface water like creeks and streams. The water in our storm drains is not treated before it empties into our streams, making it important to have only rain down the drain!

Stormwater Tips

Download a printable brochure of stormwater tips

When walking your furry friend, always pick up waste. Harmful bacteria from pet waste washes to our streams along with increased nitrate, which results in less oxygen for our fish.

Only dispose of RV waste at properly designated dump stations that safely store the waste. Never empty RV waste into storm drains, which empty untreated into our local streams.

Bag and collect all yard clippings or compost them appropriately. Yard clippings can clog storm drains and the excess nutrients they contain can impact the health of our streams.

Use a local car wash (which is already equipped to deal with stormwater) or wash cars on your lawn to keep potentially harmful chemicals from washing into our storm drains.

Never pour anything down storm drains, which empty into our streams. Instead of dumping, take your waste to the local landfill. They accept antifreeze, vehicle batteries, metals, oil, and yard waste.

Research risks of chemicals that you apply to your lawn to learn about potential. Avoid applying chemicals before rain to reduce the amount of chemicals that runoff your lawn.