While catch basins prevent most pollutants from entering a storm drain pipe, some such as oil and pet waste (which dissolves), can enter a drain and discharge to one of Boston's waterways.

Oil, gasoline, antifreeze, pet waste, cigarette butts, cleaning agents, pesticides, fertilizers, and trash are all pollutants that are illegally dumped on city streets where they are picked up in storm water runoff that enters storm drains through catch basins. From here, these pollutants can discharge from the storm drain system to Boston's many rivers, beaches and harbor. These pollutants can seriously degrade water quality and can result in beach closures and restricted use of rivers and the harbor.

Purpose

In an effort to stop this unnecessary and harmful pollution of Boston's precious water resources, BWSC is expanding its storm drain stenciling and education program. The program is designed to inform people that much of what is dumped on our streets ends up in our rivers, beaches and harbor.

BWSC is working with local schools, watershed and neighborhood groups to educate the public and stencil "Don't Dump, Drains to..." messages next to catch basins throughout the city. The stenciled message alerts the public that what is dumped in catch basins and on our streets can end up in one of Boston's waterways.

Cooperation Producing Results

The stenciling program is a fun way to bring community groups and schools together to help fight pollution. Cooperation between BWSC and the public can produce outstanding results. The Boston Harbor is the cleanest it has been in years and the local rivers are making comebacks as well. The storm drain stenciling program will add to the continuing and successful efforts of Boston and its surrounding communities to clean our local waterways so they may be better enjoyed now and by future generations.

Common Pollutants
Motor Oil
Used motor oil in particular is a significant contributor to the pollution of Boston's waterways. Petroleum hydrocarbons and heavy metals found in used motor oil pose a direct threat to fish and other aquatic species. Each year, Americans illegally dispose of over 200 million gallons of used motor oil, which is equal to 19 Exxon Valdez oil spills. In Massachusetts, it is estimated that 3.6 million gallons of used motor oil are disposed of improperly each year.
Pet Waste
Pet waste contains bacteria, primarily fecal coliform, which in excessive amounts can cause stomach illness and skin rashes. BWSC studies have shown that pet waste is one of the main sources of fecal coliform bacteria in Boston's waterways. Please remember to always clean up after your pet. 
Yard Waste
When left in the gutter or dumped into storm drains, yard wastes travel directly to the Harbor. Once in the water, yard wastes decompose rapidly. This process adds excessive nutrients to our waterways, which is detrimental. Yard wastes also clog storm drains, rendering them ineffective and causing excessive water buildup.
Antifreeze
Antifreeze is a highly toxic chemical that biodegrades extremely slowly in the environment. It is poisonous to people, as well as animals. Less than a teaspoon can be lethal to small animals such as fish, birds and the family pet. Antifreeze can be fatal to animals that live or drink from contaminated streams, lakes, or gutters.
Cigarette Butts
Cigarette butts are not biodegradable. The filters are made of a form of plastic, therefore, they may exist in the environment for longer than other forms of plastic. Marine creatures that live in the Harbor may mistake them for food, poisoning them. An estimated 4.5 trillion butts are littered every year, and the toxic chemicals in the cigarette butts create a hazardous environment in our waterways.

Getting Involved

If you would like to help organize a stenciling event in your neighborhood or would like to see the program in a local school, contact Communications Administrator at (617) 989-7000 or e-mail pubrel@bwsc.org