Stormwater

What is stormwater?

Stormwater is the water that runs off the land surface when it rains or snows. It can carry pollutants, such as sediment, nutrients, metals, bacteria, and chemicals, into nearby streams, lakes, and oceans. Stormwater can also cause flooding and erosion, damaging property and habitats.

Some examples of stormwater pollutants are:

• Animal waste, which can contain harmful bacteria, protozoa, and viruses that can cause gastrointestinal illnesses when ingested.
• Litter, such as fast-food wrappers, cigarette butts, Styrofoam cups, and plastic bags, which can harm wildlife and clog stormwater systems.
• Motor oil, which can leak from vehicles and contaminate waterways with toxic chemicals and
• Yard clippings, such as grass, leaves, and branches, which can decompose and release nutrients that can cause algae blooms and lower oxygen levels in water bodies.
• Fertilizers and pesticides, which can be washed off from lawns, gardens, and farms and increase the levels of nitrogen and phosphorus in waterways, leading to eutrophication and harmful algae blooms.
• Soapy car wash water, which can contain detergents, grease, dirt, and metals that can pollute waterways and harm aquatic life.
• Eroded sediment from construction projects, logging activities, dirt roads, and streambanks, which can carry nutrients, metals, and other pollutants into waterways and smother stream habitats
• Compromised and/ or failing septic