Stormwater

Stormwater retention ponds are built all throughout Viera and exist to collect, store and treat stormwater and to prevent pollution from reaching the St. Johns River.  Stormwater is considered the largest contributor to degraded water quality in Florida.  This means that the pollutants (grass clippings, fertilizers, pesticides, pet waste, etc.) we put into our stormdrains are causing the greatest harm and damage to our native waterways.  We are all responsible for the chemicals, debris and nutrients that go down our storm drains.  Therefore, it is our responsibility to understand how stormwater retention ponds work and how to ensure water is treated in these ponds so that our waterways are not polluted.

The Stormwater Cycle

Pet Waste

Stop the “Poolution”! Pet waste can cause harmful fecal coliform bacteria and excess nutrients to enter our stormwater retention ponds causing algal blooms and fish kills. This waste can also enter our major waterways such as the St. John’s River. Do your part and pick up after your pet.

Facts About Pet Waste

• An average size dog dropping produces 3 billion fecal coliform bacteria.
• Research has shown that up to 95% of the fecal coliform found in urban stormwater comes from animals.
• Observations of people walking their pets in public areas show that men are less likely to pick up after their dogs than women.
• A national survey shows that 38% of dog owners don't clean up after their pets.  
• Four out of 10 households have a dog.
• America's 71 million dogs produce 29,000 tons of waste each day!

Brevard County Fertilizer Ordinance

The Brevard County Fertilizer was adopted and went into effect in 2014.  Brevard County, along with many other counties and municipalities across the state, adopted the Ordinance in order to reduce the amount of nutrients in stormwater runoff that eventually makes its way to our water bodies.  In addition to other fertilizer related conditions, no fertilizers containing nitrogen and/or phosphorus can be applied to turf or landscape during the period of June 1 through September 30.  As responsible homeowners, make sure your landscaping/fertilizing contractor(s) are familiar with and in compliance with the Brevard County Ordinance.  Download the full ordinance here.