Understanding Runoff: Why It Matters During fall, Houston typically experiences increased rainfall. When lawns are treated with synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides, those chemicals don’t stay put. Rain washes them off lawns, driveways, and garden beds — sending pollutants straight into storm drains, and ultimately, into Houston’s bayous and waterways. This runoff can: Deplete oxygen levels in the water (hurting fish and aquatic life) Contaminate drinking water s
