QUESTION: How do I report an illicit discharge?
ANSWER: Information about reporting an illicit discharge can be found here.

Q: What is stormwater runoff?
A: Stormwater runoff occurs when precipitation from rain or snowmelt flows over the ground into streams, rivers, ponds, lakes and oceans.

Q: What are some of the ways stormwater runoff can become polluted?
A: There are many ways that stormwater runoff can become polluted, including contamination from sediment, oil and grease, heavy metals, toxic household cleaners, organic debris, excessive nutrients, bacteria and viruses and litter. To find out more about stormwater, visit our Education and Training page.

Q: What can we do to prevent stormwater pollution?
A:

• Remember to pick up pet waste and dispose of it properly.
• Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly.
• Use organic mulch or safer pest control methods.
• Rake leaves and compost or mulch yard waste. Don't leave it in the street or sweep it into storm drains.
• Don't pour household hazardous waste onto the ground or into storm drains. Contact your local environmental, health or solid waste agency for information about out how to properly dispose of these substances.
• Use a commercial car wash or wash your car on your yard so the water infiltrates into the ground.
• Repair leaks and dispose of used auto fluids and batteries at designated drop-off locations.
• Get involved! Join organizations to help clean up litter and debris in your community. Your organization or business can also help by joining the Adopt-a-Highway or Sponsor-a-Highway programs.
• Find out where you can recycle items or properly dispose of household hazardous waste here.

Q: What are some examples of how NDOT helps to keep our waters clean?
A: NDOT takes very seriously its responsibility to reduce any water quality impacts from construction, maintenance and other roadway activities. The department uses advanced technology (calibrated salt/sand spreaders, etc.) to reduce the amount of salt and sand used on snowy and icy winter roads. NDOT installs water detention systems to most efficiently channel and provide for the clarity of roadside runoff. (NDOT built award-winning facilities to treat water runoff collected during cleaning of Tahoe-area roadside drainage facilities that will save an estimated $4 million during the next 20 years). NDOT uses best management practices to reduce the amount of water quality impacts from construction projects (NDOT incorporates specific requirements and procedures into standard specifications).

Q. Is stormwater runoff treated at a waste water facility?
A: In Nevada, sewer systems and stormwater drains are two different things. The water that goes down a sink or toilet flows to a wastewater treatment plant where it is treated and filtered. But water that flows down driveways and streets into a gutter is not treated and goes into a storm drain that flows directly to a lake, river or stream.

Q: Does NDOT also utilize best stormwater management practices?
A: Yes, NDOT has a stormwater management plan for the department and conducts continuous training and education for employees and contractors. We are committed to best stormwater management practices.

If you have other stormwater questions, please contact us so we can respond to you and add helpful information to this FAQ section.