A Message from the Director, Tom Ruiz Abusing Our Drainage System

The Public Works Department has been busy installing a new Stormwater drainage system and making sure that we all are aware of the existing storm drains, and how they are directly connected to the quality of water in canals and the ocean that affects the beauty of our City and the quality of life that we enjoy. However, we have discovered waste oil and other waste (antifreeze, paint, grass clippings, household waste, pet wastes, etc.) that do not belong in Stormwater drains. These types of discharges to storm drains are illegal and harm our environment! Storm drains either go to bodies of water or into the ground. The water below the ground is the water we drink. We also do not want to fish or play in water that has oil in it, and oil will kill plants and animals in our canals. One last problem this causes is that the oil will clog the drain system, and can ruin the system. After the system does not function any longer we need to replace them at cost to us all and those costs can be better used to install other drainage systems to other parts of the City that do not have any drainage.

And remember these simple things you can do to prevent runoff pollution of our waters.

• Use fertilizers sparingly and sweep up driveways, sidewalks, and roads.

• Never dump anything down the storm drains.

• Vegetate bare spots in your yard.

• Compost your yard waste.

• Avoid pesticides, if possible.

• Direct downspouts away from paved surfaces.

• Take your car to the car wash instead of washing your car in your driveway or wash on grass.

• Check your car for leaks, and recycle motor oil. Do not park your vehicle over a storm drain.

• Have your septic tank pumped and system inspected regularly.

• And, for gosh sakes, pick up after your pet!

I urge everyone to be conscientious of our Stormwater Drainage System in your community. They help minimize flooding in our streets and rights-of-way, and treat the pollution that is in Stormwater runoff. Cleaning this runoff ensures that our drinking water stays clean and keeps our cost to treat our water low, which at the end willimprove the quality of life of the community where we can live, work, and play together.

For more information on our storm drains, or to report clogged drains, contact the City’s Floodplain Management Program, at 305.622.8039 or Email: mgambino@miamigardens-fl.org.


Connect To Your Customers & Grow Your Business

Click Here