When it rains or snows, most people think about staying dry, being able to see out the windshield, and keeping driveways shoveled.

But when the sun comes out, melts the snow and dries up the puddles do we think about where all the runoff goes?

In Post Falls, 97 percent of runoff flows into grass swales and drywells where the water seeps into the ground and the aquifer that supplies our irrigation and drinking water. Only 3 percent of runoff enters the storm drains that discharge into the Spokane River.

In an effort to protect our rivers, lakes and streams from pollution, the Environmental Protection Agency and city governments prohibit stormwater pollution. Disposal of chemicals, oils, debris and other pollutants into storm drains is illegal and subject to penalty. Swales and drywells are located adjacent to roads, in parks and landscape areas.

The runoff from streets and parking lots flows into the swales. Grass and vegetation in the swale helps filter out contaminants as the water soaks into the ground. The bowl shape of the swale allows dirt and debris to settle out before the water overflows into the dry well and into the ground.

These grass swales and dry wells help keep pollutants out of the stormwater system and protect our drinking water, the aquifer and the Spokane River.

There are things you can do to help protect our groundwater and river:

• Don't over-water your lawn.

• Use pesticides and fertilizers according to instructions on the package label, and take care to not let the product get onto streets and sidewalks.

• Don't leave yard waste in the street or sweep it into storm drains or ditches.

• Sweep up litter and debris from sidewalks, driveways and parking lots, especially around storm drains.

• Pick up pet waste in a plastic bag and dispose of it in a garbage bin or landfill.

• Recycle or properly dispose of household chemicals such as pesticides, paint, solvents and used motor oil.

• Cover grease storage and Dumpsters and keep them clean to avoid leaks.

You can do your part to keep household chemicals out of the river and aquifer by disposing of them safely.

Kootenai County, in association with the Division of Environmental Quality, provides free household hazardous waste collection at the Ramsey Transfer Station, 3650 N. Ramsey Road and the Prairie Transfer Station at 15580 W. Prairie Avenue.

The stations accept hazardous waste only from homes in Kootenai County. Hazardous waste collection days for the Ramsey Transfer Station are Wednesday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and for the Prairie Transfer Station are Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Do not leave your materials outside the gates. No hazardous waste can be collected at any other time. The county disposal facilities can be contacted at 446-1430, or visit http://www.kcgov.us/departments/solidwaste/.

Mike Neher is the environmental manager for the City of Post Falls and can be reached at 777-9857.