Stormwater Quality Fact Sheet for Businesses

The storm drainage system is designed to collect stormwater  ‐ rain and snow melt – and release it directly to Clear Creek  ‐ untreated. Pollutants are transported in stormwater as rain and snowmelt travel across surfaces such as lawns, roads and parking lots, picking up substances such as fertilizers, pesticides, oil and sediments before entering Clear Creek. Contaminants that enter the creek degrade the quality of our drinking water source and the quality of fish and wildlife habitats. Therefore, care must be taken to ensure that stormwater runoff does not jeopardize the quality of Clear Creek. 

Implementing Best Management Practices (BMPs) and good housekeeping practices will help ensure a safe work environment and a cleaner water source for years to come.  

CLEANING

• Use non‐toxic substitutes for chemicals whenever possible
• Control litter by sweeping and picking up trash regularly.
• Sweep shop floors, materials processing and storage areas, access roads, parking lots and   sidewalks. Do not wash down with a hose.
• Properly contain and dispose of wash water, sweepings and sediments.  

MATERIAL STORAGE

• Prevent spills from entering storm drains and discharge points.
• Keep outdoor storage containers in good condition.
• Use secondary containment measures for material and waste storage areas.  

SPILLS

• Clean up spills immediately to minimize safety hazards and prevent spills from reaching a storm drain inlet.
• Use absorbent materials to clean small spills rather than hosing down the area.
• Remove the absorbent materials promptly and dispose of properly.

LANDSCAPE

• Whenever possible, use chemical alternatives, or low‐toxic chemicals.
• Use landscaping pesticides and fertilizers only as needed.
• Avoid over‐watering to prevent excess runoff.  

Your success – and the quality of water in Clear Creek  ‐  depends on an effective training program.

For more information please contact the City of Wheat Ridge Stormwater Management Program.