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What is Stormwater Runoff?
Stormwater runoff occurs when precipitation from rain or
snowmelt flows over the ground. Impervious surfaces like
driveways, sidewalks, and streets prevent stormwater from naturally
soaking into the ground.
Why is stormwater runoff a problem?
Stormwater can pick up debris, chemicals, dirt and other
pollutants and flow into a storm sewer system or directly to a lake,
stream, river or wetland. Anything that enters a storm sewer
system is discharged untreated into the water bodies we use for
swimming, fishing, or providing drinking water.
The effects of stormwater pollution
Polluted stormwater runoff can have many adverse effects on
plants, fish, animals and people.
1) Sediment can cloud the water and make it difficult or impossible
for aquatic plants to grow. Sediment
can also destroy aquatic habitats.
2) Excess nutrients can cause algae blooms. When algae die,
they sink to the bottom and decompose in a process that removes
oxygen from the water. Fish and other aquatic organisms can't
exist in water with low dissolved oxygen levels.
3) Bacteria and other pathogens can wash into swimming areas and
create health hazards, often making beach closures necessary.
4) Debris - plastic bags, six-pack rings, bottles and cigarette
butts - washed into water bodies can choke, suffocate, or disable
aquatic life like ducks, fish, turtles and birds.
5) Household hazardous wastes like insecticides, pesticides, paint
solvents, used motor oil and other auto fluids can poison aquatic
life. Land animals and people can become sick or die from
eating diseased fish or by ingesting polluted water.
6) Polluted stormwater often affects drinking water sources.
This, in turn, can affect human health and increase drinking water
treatment costs.
How you can help clean up stormwater!
Residential
Commercial
Construction
Agriculture
Forestry
Automotive Facilities
Helpful Links:
Environmental Protection Agency - Stormwater
Minnesota
Pollution Control Agency - Stormwater
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