What Stormwater Is
Stormwater is the product generated when rainwater comes in contact with an impervious surface, pollutants, and impurities. For example, precipitation lands on a parking lot, road, or rooftop, collecting accumulated trash and chemicals as it flows over the surface. This process leads to stormwater pollution - a major global water quality and environmental concern.
Stormwater Run-Off
Stormwater runoff occurs when rain flows over land - driveways, lawns, and streets - into the nearest storm drains and catch basins, and then discharges directly into our water bodies through pipes in the network of stormwater pipes without being treated.
Stormwater Pollution
Stormwater pollution happens when the water picks up pollutants such as trash, car oil, pet waste, cigarette butts, excess fertilizer, herbicides, and pesticides. These pollutants go down the nearest catch basin and end up in our waterways.
In addition to contaminating the water, stormwater pollution can cause flooding, sewage back-ups, and erosion.