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1. What is stormwater?

Stormwater is rain and melting snow that runs off surfaces that cannot readily absorb water. These surfaces include rooftops, pavement, compacted gravel lots, and even frozen ground. Stormwater runoff picks up pollution, can cause erosion, and flooding problems. These problems occur when we alter the land and change the way water moves through the landscape.

2. How does stormwater become polluted?

As stormwater flows towards receiving waters such as streams, lakes, rivers, or soaks into the aquifer, it picks up pollutants. These pollutants include, but are not limited to, ground sediment, airborne dust, pet waste, oil, grease, fertilizers, chemicals, and litter.

3. What are ways to help prevent stormwater flooding and pollution?

• keep your storm drains and grates clear of leaves and debris
• pick up pet waste
• limit the use of chemicals at home and work
• consider low impact development (LID) techniques like rain gardens, porous pavement, and rainwater harvesting that keep the water onsite
• plant a tree