Stormwater Pollution Sources

Stormwater runoff is the portion of rain that does not infiltrate into the ground. Rain that falls on hard surfaces like streets, parking lots, rooftops becomes runoff and flows directly into storm drains and ditches that empty into our streams, rivers and lakes. In most areas, stormwater runoff enters these waters without being cleaned of pollutants. 

During a storm, rain runs off of saturated or hard surface areas and picks up and mixes with things like:

• Oil, grease, metals and coolants from vehicles
• Fertilizers, pesticides and other chemicals from gardens and homes
• Bacteria from pet wastes and failing septic systems
• Soil from poor construction site practices
• Soaps and detergents from car washing
• The way to protect and clean our waterways is to make sure only rain – and nothing else – goes into the storm sewers and ditches.

 

Sources of Pollution
Click on the link to learn how household activities, businesses and constructions sites contribute to stormwater pollution and an increase in runoff volume.

 

What is Polluted Runoff
Click on the link to learn what chemicals and particles are being deposited in our streams, rivers and lakes.

 

Effects of Polluted Runoff
Click on the link to learn how stormwater pollution and urbanization effects our quality of life, drinking water, habitat, recreational opportunities and waterways.