The Storm Water Management Division has campaigns that target specific audiences. Industries and businesses can be a very influential component of the watershed and we know that many commercial activities can contribute to stormwater pollution.

We work with local restaurants and auto maintenance industries distributing stormwater educational brochures, one-on-one training at their work location and public meetings for stormwater education. Training focuses on concerns with oil disposal or possible spills and other pollutant concerns specific to their industry.

They are reminded to sweep around their businesses instead of hosing or washing oils and debris into the storm drains. In general, wastewater discharge to the storm drains is illegal.

This is an integral part of our stormwater pollution outreach program. Providing stormwater education through schools exposes the stormwater pollution prevention message not only to students, but to their parents as well.

Our office introduces the children to a hands-on working storm drain model, provides photocopied handouts containing stormwater education materials, games, and an activity booklet that they can take home to review with their parents. Our staff works to make the lessons and activities interesting and fun.

These are used by the Storm Water Management Division to inform the public about storm water pollution. In addition to the distribution of printed materials, we have created several TV commercials that air on Comcast Cable and the newly created government channel for the City of Santa Fe.

KSWV-AM radio features stormwater messages daily, as well as, appearances by stormwater staff and other city staff on their quarterly Issues and Answers program to discuss stormwater related issues. Hometown News will be added as a message distributor and we even mark the ground with “Only Rain in the Drain” plaques at all storm drain inlets. We are working to get the word out!