Storm Water Pollution

What is stormwater runoff?

Stormwater is drainage runoff that flows over the surface of the land resulting from rain events or snowmelt.

Why is it harmful?

Hard surfaces like roads prevent stormwater from naturally soaking into the ground. As stormwater runs across these surfaces, it picks up trash, chemicals, dirt and other pollutants. Untreated, it flows into storm sewer systems that lead directly to lakes, streams, rivers or wetlands. Stormwater can also add large volumes of water to local creeks and streams causing erosion of stream banks and flash flooding.

How can you help prevent stormwater pollution?

Correcting the harmful effects of stormwater runoff pollution is costly. Each year millions of dollars are spent to restore and protect areas damaged or endangered by stormwater runoff pollutants.