WHEELING, W.Va. — The City of Wheeling’s Water Pollution Control Division (WPCD) is reminding residents that where rainwater drains from their homes can play an important role in protecting local waterways.
According to city officials, directing downspouts onto driveways, sidewalks, and other impervious surfaces can contribute to water pollution in area streams and rivers. When rainwater flows across paved surfaces, it can pick up pollutants including motor oil, fertilizers, pet waste, chemicals, and litter before entering nearby storm drains.
Unlike sanitary sewer systems, storm drains typically discharge directly into local waterways without treatment, allowing contaminants to flow into streams and eventually the Ohio River.
To help reduce runoff and improve water quality throughout the Ohio Valley, officials are encouraging homeowners to direct downspouts toward grassy areas, gardens, rain barrels, or other locations where water can naturally soak into the ground.
The initiative is part of the city’s ongoing environmental awareness efforts under the message, “A clean Wheeling starts here,” emphasizing that small changes at home can make a significant impact on the health of local waterways.
Officials recommend residents take the following steps to help reduce stormwater pollution:
- Direct downspouts onto grass or landscaped areas
- Use rain barrels to collect runoff
- Keep litter, pet waste, and chemicals away from storm drains
- Help reduce pollution entering local streams and the Ohio River
City leaders say every drop counts when it comes to protecting the region’s water resources and maintaining cleaner streams and rivers for future generations.
