Prevent Stream Pollution

Preventing pollution from entering streams is the only sure way of maintaining good water quality and habitat for aquatic life. Storm drains lead directly to our streams, so most of the pollution entering our streams comes from Rockville residents and businesses.

Here are some tips you can follow to help prevent pollution and keep our water clean:

• Pick up after your pet.
• Pick up litter and throw it away in a garbage can. Better yet, join a stream cleanup or take the Plog Rockville Pledge!
• Reduce or stop using fertilizers on your lawn and garden. If you do use fertilizer, be sure to sweep up any excess extra and never apply right before a rainstorm. 
• Mulch or compost grass or yard waste, or leave it in your yard if you can’t compost. Don’t blow leaves into the street. This clogs and damages storm drains.
• Don’t flush wipes down the toilet or pour fats, oils, or grease down your sink. This can clog pipes and lead to costly sewer backups in your home or cause overflowing pipes in your neighborhood and local parks.
• Use a commercial car wash whenever possible. They properly dispose of the soapy water rather than letting it run into the storm drain.
• Do your part to keep excess salt out of local waterways during winter by shoveling snow right away, using less deicer, and sweeping up and reusing the excess. 
• Don’t pour motor oil or other chemicals down the storm drain. Take it to the Montgomery County Transfer Station. It’s free!
• Report pollution or illegal dumping by calling the city’s pollution hotline at 240-314-8348. Report a blocked storm drain by calling 240-314-8567.

Fats, Oils, and Grease Management

Fats, oils, and grease (FOG) enter the sewer system when poured down drains in restaurants, homes, apartments, industry, and public facilities. The City of Rockville performs yearly inspections of food service establishments for proper FOG management.