Stormwater Quality for Restaurants

The storm drainage system is designed to collect stormwater - rain and snowmelt - and release it directly into Windsor waterways. Pollutants are transported in stormwater as rain and snowmelt travel across surfaces such as lawns, roads and parking lots, picking up substances such as fertilizers, pesticides, oil and sediments before entering rivers and streams. Contaminants that enter our waterways degrade the quality of drinking water sources for people downstream, our own recreation areas, and the quality of fish and wildlife habitats. 

Best Management Practices for Restaurants

Spills
  • Avoid spilling onto floors or other surfaces.
  • Clean up spills immediately to minimize safety hazards and prevent spills form reaching a storm drain inlet.
  • Use absorbent materials to clean small spills rather than hosing down the area. Remove the absorbent materials promptly and dispose of properly.
Cleaning
  • Keep outside areas (dumpsters, parking lots, etc.) free of trash and debris, and regularly clean them to prevent pollutant buildup.
  • Control litter by sweeping and picking up trash on a regular basis.
  • Sweep up outside areas rather than washing them down.
  • Do not dump mop water or wash floor mats or kitchen equipment outside. Pour mop water and wash water into the mop sink or floor drains. Take floor mats to a local car wash for cleaning.
  • Whenever possible, purchase water based cleaning products. Look for products labeled non-toxic, non-petroleum based, ammonia-free, phosphate-free, dye and perfume-free and/or biodegradable.
Oil and Grease
  • Regularly inspect and clean out grease traps/interceptors.
  • Always use proper oil and grease recycling receptacles. Never dump oil and grease wastes into storm drains or onto parking lots.
  • Use care to avoid spills when taking used oil to the grease receptacle.