Toby's Water Warriors

Hi, fellow Water Warriors! Toby the Turtle and Ollie the Otter need your help to keep our lakes and rivers clean. When it rains, stormwater picks up pollution like litter, oil, and chemicals that can run off into storm drains. In the City of Lakeland, all storm drains discharge to a lake, pond, creek, or wetland area. This pollution can harm me, Ollie and all the other animals who live in and around these waterways.
Will you help us keep our home clean and safe?

• What is Stormwater Runoff and Stormwater Pollution?

  When stormwater flows over paved streets, parking lots, rooftops, buildings, it's called stormwater runoff because it can't soak into the ground. This runoff can pick up pollutants like litter, oil, grease, fertilizers, and other chemicals. When that happens, it's called stormwater pollution. 

• When it rains, if litter and pollution flows into the storm drains, where does it end up?

  When it rains, litter and pollution easily travels through storm drains and ends up in the lakes. 

• How does pollution and litter harm the lake?

  Pollution and litter can hurt wildlife such as turtles, ducks, fish, frogs, birds, alligators, and otters.

• What are some sources of stormwater runoff pollution?

  Construction sites, illegal dumping, and improperly stored hazardous waste. 

• What is allowed to go into the storm drain?

  Only rain can go down the drain. Never dump anything down a storm drain because it will end up in a lake, pond, stream, or wetland area.