STORM WATER INLET MARKING (SWIM) PROGRAM STORM WATER INLET MARKING (SWIM) {say just like the verb “swim”, please call out like this throughout the remainder of the presentation} PROGRAM

Storm Water Quality   Preserving our environment is important to our health and survival. We’ve become more aware of effects of environmental practices like the destruction of the rainforest, or the release of hazardous chemicals to the atmosphere. Today, most of us realize that preserving our environment is important to our health and survival. We’ve become more aware of unwanted effects of certain environmental practices like the destruction of the rainforest, or the release of hazardous chemicals to the atmosphere.

Start in Our Own Backyards Storm water runoff from urban areas can carry pollution generated by: Littering, Construction activity Use of pesticides/fertilizers, Illegal dumping or discharges, Improper disposal of used oil and toxics, and New development and redevelopment.  But one of our most immediate problems starts in our own backyards. Storm water runoff from urban areas can carry pollutants and trash into the storm water drainage system. This type of pollution includes waste generated by littering, construction activity, the use of pesticides and fertilizers, illegal dumping or discharges, improper disposal of used oil and toxics, and from new development and redevelopment.  

Sewage Treatment Water that flows down the drains in our homes goes to sewage treatment facilities and then to bayous and rivers. Water that flows down the drains in our homes goes to sewage treatment facilities and then to bayous and rivers.

Storm water receives no treatment. Storm Water Drainage Water that flows into our storm water drainage system goes directly into our bayous, rivers, and ultimately, into Galveston Bay. Water that flows into our storm water drainage system goes directly into our bayous, rivers, and ultimately, into Galveston Bay. Storm water receives no treatment. This network of storm drains that carry excess rain water away from streets and directly into waterways is the most common route for non-point source pollutants in the environment Storm water receives no treatment.

STORM WATER INLET MARKING PROGRAM An environmental public education program To involve communities in reducing non-point source (NPS) pollution. The SWIM, or Storm Water Inlet Marking Program, is an environmental public education program which aims to involve communities in reducing non-point source (NPS) pollution.

Working together to solve a common problem: SWIM PROGRAM Working together to solve a common problem: Government, Volunteer groups, and Businesses. Programs like the SWIM Program work well because they get government, volunteer groups and businesses working together to solve a common problem. Citizens play an extremely important role in preventing pollution of our local waterways by properly using pesticides and fertilizers; properly disposing of oil and household toxics; by not littering; and by helping educate fellow citizens.

Encourage citizens to protect their water resources   SWIM Program Goals Raise awareness in Harris County communities about storm water quality issues, Connect residents to their neighborhood storm drains and local waterways, and Encourage citizens to protect their water resources The goals of the SWIM Program are to: Raise awareness in Harris County communities about storm water quality issues, connect residents to their neighborhood storm drains and local waterways, and encourage citizens to protect their water resources

SWIM STORM DRAIN MARKER DESIGN Storm drain markers bearing the local Storm Water Management Joint Task Force’s “Clean Water Clear Choice” logo and a message stating “No Dumping, Flows to Galveston Bay” will be distributed to citizens to mark neighborhood storm drains. The message will remind citizens not to dump pollutants into storm sewers or contribute more pollutants to ordinary storm water runoff by littering, over-fertilizing or sweeping yard debris into the street.

Environmental Stewardship Awareness Action Environmental Stewardship Benefits of the SWIM PROGRAM are that it provides an excellent opportunity to educate the public about the link between the storm drain system and drinking water quality. Media coverage of the SWIM program can increase public awareness of storm water issues. It leads to volunteer monitoring projects and increased community participation in a variety of environmental events. The program is open to any individual, group or community that would like to participate in helping us reach our goal of marking every storm drain in Harris County in order to prevent pollution from entering our local waterways. Improved Water Quality results from their Environmental Stewardship

SWIM PROGRAM SAFETY PROCEDURES and TIPS FOR STORM WATER INLET MARKING TEAM LEADERS The following slides provide Safety Procedures and Tips for Storm Water Inlet Marking Team Leaders.

REMEMBER: SAFETY FIRST! Before you start: Prior to marking, sign and return ALL waivers Orally review these safety procedures with your volunteer groups. REMEMBER: SAFETY FIRST! Before you start: Prior to marking, sign and return ALL waivers Orally review these safety procedures with your volunteer groups.

Use the Buddy System Marking is a group activity, requiring a minimum of two people. There should NEVER be any marking done alone. At least 2 people should wear safety vests. Use the Buddy System Marking is a group activity, requiring a minimum of two people. There should NEVER be any marking done alone. At least 2 people should wear safety vests. Vests are provided in your SWIM participation packet.

Traffic Management Traffic cones are used to alert vehicular traffic. Please designate persons to wave safety flags in case of street traffic. For Traffic Management, traffic cones are used to alert vehicular traffic. Please designate persons to wave safety flags in case of street traffic.

Wear clothing you do not mind getting dirty. Keeping Clean - - Wear clothing you do not mind getting dirty. Bring paper towels or a rag to wipe up. Keeping Clean Wear clothing you do not mind getting dirty. Bring paper towels or a rag to wipe up.

Report Dumping If you see an indication Of oil, paint, or any other potentially hazardous substances At any storm drain Note the occurrence and report it to the SWIM Team Leader for your project. Report Dumping If you see an indication of oil, paint, or any other potentially hazardous substances at any storm drain, note the occurrence and report it to the SWIM Team Leader for your project. The Team Leader will report it to Harris County Storm Water Quality.

1. Clean Storm Drain Surface Make sure the storm drain surface is: Flat, Dry, and Free of any loose debris. To begin placement of the SWIM marker, clean the storm drain surface. Make sure the storm drain surface is flat, dry, and free of any loose debris.

2. Apply Adhesive Coming in 1/8" from the outside edge of the marker: Apply a bead of adhesive, and Then work in to the center. Apply the adhesive. Coming in 1/8 inch from the outside edge of the marker, apply a bead of adhesive, and then work in to the center.

3. Stick It! Apply the marker to the storm drain surface, pushing down HARD, forcing adhesive out around the entire edge. Apply the marker to the storm drain surface, pushing down HARD, forcing adhesive out around the entire edge.

It is important that the entire edge of the marker is SEALED to the application surface.

Finished Installation Once installed, the curb markers stay affixed. They maintain their attractive appearance for years. Here is a finished installation. Once installed, the curb markers stay affixed. They maintain their attractive appearance for years.

Please return safety vests, cones and brushes to: Harris County Storm Water Quality Section 9800 Northwest Freeway, Suite 305 Houston, Texas 77092 Please return safety vests, cones and brushes to: Harris County Storm Water Quality Section 9800 Northwest Freeway, Suite 305 Houston, Texas 77092

Any Questions? For more information: (713) 290 - 3000 or www.cleanwaterclearchoice.org For more information: Call (713) 290 - 3000 or Log on to www.cleanwaterclearchoice.org {say Clean Water, Clear Choice dot Org)

Thank you for your interest in the SWIM program!