This stormwater can pick up debris, chemicals, and other pollutants as it flows into the storm sewer system and empties directly to streams, rivers, and lakes.  The polluted water is called “nonpoint source pollution” which is the primary cause of water quality problems today.

How does this affect us all?

The waterbodies where stormwater flows is used for providing drinking water, swimming, and fishing.  Polluted water can have many adverse effects on people, animals, and plants.

·         Polluted stormwater can affect drinking water sources.  This can affect human health and increase drinking water treatment costs.

·         Bacteria and other pathogens can wash into swimming areas.

·         Hazardous wastes like auto fluids, pesticides, and solvents can poison aquatic life.  People and land animals can become sick from eating diseased fish or ingesting polluted water.

·         Debris--plastic bags, 6-pack rings, bottles, and cigarette butts--washed into waterbodies can choke, suffocate or disable aquatic life like birds, turtles, and fish.

·         Sediment can cloud the water, destroying aquatic habitats. 

 How we all can help