N.C. Storm Water Survey Has Mixed Results

What do you really know about storm water? How about your neighbor?

The N. C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) thinks the answers are very important for two reasons, according to a report from The Pilot.com.

First, polluted storm water runoff is the largest source of water pollution in North Carolina and the nation. Second, the No. 1 source of storm water pollution is people going about their daily business. Most have no idea they are polluting their local water supply.

East Carolina University’s Survey center administered the survey in August and September. Staff placed more than 11,000 calls to get 1,000 completed surveys; a large enough number that the findings have a 95 percent confidence level.

The results were a mix of the expected and the unexpected.

+Most rate water quality as ‘good’ (42.4%), followed by ‘fair’ (39.4%);

+Most do not know storm water receives no treatment before storm drains carry it directly to the nearest creek, stream or river. (Only 37.6% got this one right.);

+Most (54.2%) do not test soil to determine its needs before applying fertilizer;

+Some (5.8%) apply fertilizer monthly, which is way too much;

+Some 40% of respondents wash their own vehicles, but more than one-third wash in the driveway;

+Only one-fifth change their own oil, but 12% of them throw used oil in the grass; and

+Most pet walkers do not ‘scoop the poop,’ but women scoop more than men.

DENR’s purpose in doing the survey is to produce and deliver educational materials to the groups that need them most. The survey identifies groups and other demographic data such as income, age and education so messages can be tailored to different groups’ needs. Protecting water quality through education is not just desirable; many N.C. communities are mandated to do so by the federal government, according to the state agency.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires communities with certain sizes, growth rates and locations to receive storm water permits. In addition to education, the permits require other activities like tracking illicit discharges (straight piping) and controlling runoff from construction sites.

This survey’s focus was outreach and education. It won’t take long to learn if the messages get through, according to DENR. The survey will be conducted again in 2006 and 2007. If scores improve, the agency will have a better-educated state.

“We may even have better water quality, but that’s not guaranteed,” a spokesman said. “Knowing what’s right and actually doing it are two different things. Before state residents make changes, they need good reasons. Since most don’t know their actions can harm local water, that’s a good place to start.”

To see the survey or read an analysis of its findings, visit http://www.ncstormwater.org/pdfs/stormwater_survey_12506.pdf

Source: Pilot.com