Watershed Management: FAQs
1. How do I report a water pollution issue? Water pollution concerns such as someone dumping materials down a stormdrain, or blowing leaves into the street can be called into our office during business hours at 727-464-4425 or 24/7 on our recorded line at (727) 464-5060 or click here for the online form.
2.My pond has a green film on it - what do I do? Chances are your pond is experiencing an algae bloom. This occurs frequently in ponds that receive excess nutrients in runoff from surrounding areas. Nutrients are washed into the waterbody and the algae bloom occurs. These blooms can also cause strong odors to emanate from ponds and creeks. Brochures are available which detail some steps that homeowners can take to improve the health of their ponds.
3. Why are there all these dead fish in my pond? Fish kills are common occurrences in the winter and during particularly hot days during the summer. The most common cause is low dissolved oxygen (DO) levels in the pond. Cold weather also causes kills of fish with little tolerance for drops in temperature (e.g. tilapia). For more information click here.
Stormwater is rainwater that flows over our yards, streets, parking lots, and buildings, and does not get absorbed into the ground. Stormwater may carry excess nutrients and other pollutants from the watershed into waterbodies. Click here for more information.
A watershed is a defined area of land from which all precipitation collects and drains to a common stream, bay, marsh, or lake. Click here for more information on Pinellas County Watersheds.
6.What causes poor water quality? A number of factors may contribute to poor water quality. Some of the main culprits are runoff of fertilizers and pesticides from yards, oil and grease from cars, and sediment from construction sites. Trash, runoff of hazardous materials, dumping of waste, and spills are other pollutants that degrade water quality. Natural occurrences such as algae blooms, although often triggered by pollution, may also contribute to a decline in water quality.
7. Why can’t I dump grass clippings into the stormdrain or onto the roads? Grass clippings and other landscape debris not only can block stormwater pipes causing flooding, but also are a significant source of nutrients. While it is great for your lawn, it causes pollution of our waters.
Students as well as adults and younger children accompanied by guardians interested can participate in several of our programs. Please call 727-464-4425 or visit the Volunteer Services website.
9. Who is going to clean up all this trash in my pond? If the pond is privately owned, it is up to the homeowners or homeowner’s association to remove the debris. Click Adopt Your Pond for more information. Lake management companies can also be found in the yellow pages. If the pond is County-owned, call Pinellas County Operations at (727) 464-8900.
10. How do I get rid of all these weeds in my pond? If the pond is privately owned, the homeowner or association is responsible for clearing the vegetation. Click Adopt Your Pond for more information. Homeowners may call Pinellas County Water Resources at (727) 464-4425 for additional information. Lake management companies can be found in the yellow pages. However, if the pond is County-owned, contact Pinellas County Highway for maintenance at (727) 464-8900.
11. Why is there an oil slick by my dock? Is your boat or personal watercraft is leaking oil? Also runoff from nearby roads may be discharging from pipes near your property. Finally, some types of algae blooms resemble an oil-like sheen on the water.
12. Is it legal for me to trim my mangroves? There are specific regulations regarding mangrove trimming. Please see our mangrove trimming information.
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