Storm Water Quality

Detergent is our # 1 pollutant

If someone were to ask, "What is the most frequently encountered water pollutant in Fort Worth?," what would your answer be? Most people would think of pesticides or some other "toxic" compound. However, testing performed by the Department of Environmental Management since 1992 at over 500 sites around the city consistently shows detergents as our number one problem.

 You Might Be Killing Fish - and Not Know It.

Most people do not think of detergents as a serious environmental hazard. Unfortunately, detergents in our creeks and ponds pose a very real threat to our fish. The detergents by themselves can have poisonous effects to all types of aquatic life if they are present in sufficient quantities, and this includes the biodegradable detergents. All detergents destroy the external mucus layers that protect the fish from bacteria and parasites; plus they can cause severe damage to the gills. Most fish will die when detergent concentrations near 15 parts per million (ppm). Detergent concentrations as low as 5 ppm will kill fish eggs.

Detergents can also add to the problems of aquatic life by lowering the surface tension of the water. Organic chemicals such as pesticides and phenols* are then much more easily absorbed by the fish. A detergent concentration of only 2 ppm can cause fish to absorb double the amount of chemicals they would normally absorb. As you can see, it doesn't take a lot of detergents to affect the fish. If your neighborhood creek used to have fish but now doesn't, detergents may be the reason.

 What is the City Doing?

The city has taken many actions to eliminate detergents from our creeks including a program that requires the purchase of a special permit for outdoor cosmetic cleaning activities. Commercial power washers must now pick up all of the wastewater they generate and redirect it to the sanitary sewer, effectively keeping it out of the storm drains and creeks. There are no such requirements for private residences at this time. However, we are asking for citizens to voluntarily eliminate all outdoor detergent discharges.

 What Can You Do?

Each and every one of us can make a positive difference in reclaiming our neighborhood creeks if we will just make a few changes in our lifestyles. Number one, don't wash cars, boats or RV's at home. The detergent laden water runs down the street, through the storm drain and into a creek. Use a commercial car wash instead. It doesn't matter if it's automated or self serve, the wastewater generated at these facilities is sent to the wastewater treatment plant where it is thoroughly cleaned before being returned to the Trinity River. Number two, practice dry cleanup methods when cleaning your sidewalks and driveways. Try using a broom instead of a water hose and utilize dry cleanup methods when removing oil stains. There are many new products available at most auto part stores that do not use water.

Your activities really can make a difference. Share this article with your neighbors and/or the editor of your neighborhood newsletter. Help us bring the fish back to all of our local creeks!

*Phenol (fe-nol) - A caustic poisonous crystalline compound derived from benzene and used in resins, plastics, and pharmaceuticals.