When working with household cleaning products and other potentially hazardous materials, the City of Cranbrook is asking residents and businesses to be careful that this material doesn’t make it into our storm sewer system.

When you wash your car, the soapy water and debris can run off your driveway into a storm drain that empties directly into Joseph Creek and Elizabeth Lake. Improperly applied pesticides and fertilizers, leaking fuel and oil and using toxic cleaning products can also contaminate our local water bodies and affect the overall water quality.

“Those are just a few examples of nonpoint source pollution,” says Chris Zettel, Communications Officer for the City of Cranbrook. “Nonpoint source pollution comes from many places. It’s not easy to identify or control, and all of us, often without knowing, contribute to it. Small amounts of nonpoint source pollution from each one of us may not seem to be a problem. But the combined effects of pollutants across the province can cause fish kills and create unsafe drinking water for communities including Cranbrook.”

The City of Cranbrook with assistance from the BC Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and the Regional District of East Kootenay, created an informational newsletter to provide helpful tips and information on how to help minimize the risk of polluting our local waterways.

‘Storm Sewers & Water Quality’ provides information on how to properly dispose of hazardous materials, how to properly treat and drain swimming pools and hot tubs and simple tips on how to minimize the risk of accidental water pollution around your home, your yard and around your vehicle.

‘Storm Sewers & Water Quality’ is available on the City’s website or is available for pick up at City Hall.

City of Cranbrook

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