As Storm Approaches, West Hartford Urges Stormwater Awareness

WEST HARTFORD, CT — With a rainstorm approaching on Thursday, West Hartford's recent plea for residents to protect local waterways is more apropos.

Recently, the town issued an alert offering tips on what people can do to ensure rainwater runoff can safely go to where it needs to go in the event of rain.

For example, proper use of storm drains is a must, town officials said. Some tips:

• Dispose of paint/motor oil at the Hartford Recycling Center or other certified sites, such as household hazardous waste events.

• Dispose of pet waste in the trash.

• Wash vehicles at a commercial car wash.

• Drain pool water into a sanitary sewer.

Another key tip is to ensure that storm drains are clear so they move untreated stormwater runoff away from natural water bodies.

Stormwater runoff can pick up pollutants from pavement and yards, town officials said, and if they are unable to reach storm drains, they can be harmful to the environment.

For more information on protecting West Hartford from improper water runoff, click on this link.