Stormwater and Stormwater Runoff

Stormwater is simply water from precipitation that flows across the ground and pavement when it rains or when snow and ice melt. The water seeps into the ground or drains into storm sewers (drains at street corners and the sides of streets). Collectively, the draining water is called stormwater runoff. This runoff usually flows into the nearest stream, creek, river, lake, or ocean - untreated.

Stormwater runoff is of concern to the local community because of the pollutants it carries from the everyday activities of people and business such as over fertilizing lawns, littering, changing motor oil, and overuse of pesticides. Some other possible sources of storm water pollution include improperly connected sewer lines, leaking septic tanks, domesticated animal (pets) and wildlife waste, and dumpster leachate.