Water pollution is a threat to all mankind. Contrary to popular belief, it is not solely caused by large companies and industry. However, our water supply is still at risk. The Environmental Protection Agency has determined that non-point source pollution is a major cause of our nation s water quality problems. Non-point source pollution occurs as a result of uninformed people dumping toxic waste into a waterway or an oil spill from an unknown source.
People performing daily tasks can also contribute to non-point source pollution.
For example, individuals pouring motor oil and dumping yard waste down the sewer system and throwing trash onto the street. Sewer Drain Stenciling is one way to constantly remind the public that sewers are for water and not trash. The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District s Sewer Drain Stencil Project provides guidelines for stenciling both storm drains and combined sewers. Storm drains collect stormwater and helps to prevent streets and properties from flooding. Any debris or waste in the flow s path is washed into the storm drains.