Stormwater

What is Stormwater?

• Pure rain or snowfall plus anything it carries along with it.
• As stormwater flows, it picks up and carries away natural and human-made pollutants to storm drains.
• Unlike sewage, stormwater is not treated.
• Stormwater flows directly from our streets to waterways, inhabited by fish and other aquatic animals and plants.

Stormwater Pollutants Include

• Excess fertilizers, herbicides, and insecticides from agricultural lands and residential areas.
• Oil, grease, and toxic chemicals from urban runoff and energy production.
• Sediment from improperly managed construction sites, crop and forest lands, and eroding stream banks.
• Bacteria and nutrients from livestock, pet wastes, and faulty septic systems.