Roy City Storm Water

BY ALAN WRIGHT

In Roy City, storm water flows through storm drains directly to the Howard Slough and Meadow Creek fishpond. This water is vital to the pond, fish, and wildlife, and must be kept clean. Please properly dispose of grass clippings, pet waste, paint, fertilizers, leaves, and seeds, etc., and help keep our city streets, streams, and fishponds clean.

Nitrogen and Phosphorous Reduction

The significant increase of nitrogen and phosphorus in water bodies across the country has intensified water quality problems in recent years. Too much nitrogen and phosphorus can cause serious water quality problems. Nutrient pollution impairs drinking water, endangers aquatic life, and threatens the recreational use of Utah’s streams, rivers, and lakes. Excess nitrogen and phosphorus in the water cause algae and some types of bacteria to grow faster than ecosystems can handle, a process known as eutrophication. Large growths of algae called algal blooms, reduce oxygen in the water, which can stress or kill the fish. Algal blooms also harm water quality, food resources, and habitats. Some blooms are harmful to humans because they contain bacteria that can produce toxins that can make people sick if they swim in or drink contaminated water.

Things we all can do to help reduce

Nitrogen and Phosphorous levels:

• Grass clipping and leaf removal from sidewalks, streets, and gutters

• Cleanup of animal/pet waste

• Clean up lawn fertilizer, and remove it from sidewalks, streets, and gutters

• Wash vehicles on the lawn instead of the driveway

• Properly dispose of oils and toxic materials

Pour waste oil into an unbreakable container (plastic milk jug) seal and label. Do not mix other materials with oil. Call 801399-8803 or 801-726-8212 for disposal. Or visit Weber County Transfer Station, 867 W. Wilson Lane, Ogden, Utah 84401.

Please contact Roy City Public Works Department to report violations at 801-774-1090, if it is after hours, please call Weber County Dispatch at 801-395-8221. Our current storm water ordinance is on our website at www.royutah.org