Toby's Water Warriors

• 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.

• Do Toby and his friends like a clean lake?

  Yes! Toby the Turtle, Ollie the Otter, Finn the Fish, Hope the Heron, and Gibby the Gator can't survive in a polluted lake.

• What is the greatest source of pollution to Florida's lakes, streams, and wetlands?

  Stormwater runoff 

• 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. 

How Can You Help?

Adopt-a-Lake or Adopt-a-Road

Find out how, contact sandra.pope@lakelandgov.net

Help Keep Lakeland Litter Free 

• NO LITTERING! Trash thrown out of car windows easily travels through storm drains during rain events.
• Litter, such as plastic bottles, cups, straws, and fast-food containers, is carried away by stormwater and ends up polluting lakes, streams and other wetland areas.  This can harm aquatic wildlife like ducks, fish, turtles, birds and swans.

“Become a Toby's Water Warrior and take the pledge against litter. Remember, Only Rain Goes Down the Drain"!                                                                         -Toby