In Leland, stormwater runoff flows through a complex, interconnected system of pipes, ditches, creeks, and other natural and man-made features before finally making its way to the Cape Fear River and Brunswick River. The quality of our local waters is directly related to land uses and other actions on land. Use the material below to learn more about stormwater.
If you see a stormwater problem, please call the Stormwater Hotline at (910) 408-3052!
Stormwater is rainwater or irrigation water that does not soak into the ground. Stormwater runoff flows off impervious (hard) surfaces such as streets, rooftops, driveways, and parking lots and carries pollutants into our waterways untreated.
As we cut woodlands, clear land, pave roads and parking lots, and construct houses and buildings, we change the permeability of the ground. Falling rain has fewer places to soak in gradually. Runoff from hard surfaces occurs faster and in greater volumes. Increased stormwater runoff can worsen flooding, erosion, and water pollution and destroy stream habitats.
Common stormwater pollutants include pet waste, litter, fertilizers and pesticides, yard waste, erosion, car fluids and restaurant waste.
Learn More About Stormwater Pollutants
Learn More About Pollution Prevention
Prevent Restaurant Stormwater Pollution
Prevención de la Contaminación del Agua por Restaurantes - Español
Stormwater control measures (SCMs) are engineered facilities that are designed to convey runoff from rain events, remove pollutants, and control flow rates. SCMs include pipes, swales, buffers, filters, ponds, underground tanks, rain barrels, rain gardens, etc. These systems are specifically designed to capture, treat, and store, then slowly release stormwater runoff downstream or into the ground. In addition to helping to prevent flooding and erosion, SCMs help protect water quality by incorporating features that filter or remove sediments, excess nutrients, and other toxic chemicals.
Many SCMs in the Town are owned and maintained by the development and some are privately owned and maintained. The Town of Leland maintains SCMs in public road right-of-ways. Generally, these SCMs serve public roads and Town-owned facilities. SCMs serving private developments are on private property and are typically owned and maintained by the property owners.
SCMs are inspected periodically to ensure they are safe and function properly. The Town also relies on citizens to report problems that arise between inspection dates. If you see a stormwater problem, please call the Stormwater Hotline at (910) 408-3052!
Top 10 things you can do to protect our local water quality:
- Never put anything into a storm drain or drainage ditch.
- Clean up after your pets.
- Use fertilizer and pesticides only when needed and apply the correct amounts. Have your soil tested to determine the exact nutrients your lawn needs. The Cooperative Extension Service has free soil testing kits. Contact the Cooperative Extension Service at (910) 253-2610 or 25 Referendum Drive, Bolivia, NC 28422.
- Dispose of leaves, grass clippings, and other yard waste properly. Put grass clippings back on the lawn, or compost and use as mulch.
- Throw litter in the trash. Reduce, reuse, recycle.
- If you wash your vehicle at home, wash it on the lawn. Another good alternative is to use a commercial car wash.
- Recycle motor oil, antifreeze, and other auto fluids at an auto parts store or county landfill.
- Dispose of household hazardous materials properly.
- Check your vehicle for leaks and repair them.
- Tell a friend or neighbor how they can help protect water quality!
Help protect the lifestyle and water resources that make Leland a great place to live, play, and raise a family!