Stormwater Education
What is storm water?
The term storm water refers to rainwater. Stormwater washes down
storm drains on the curbs of roads and leads directly into lakes, rivers,
and streams. Unlike wastewater, it is untreated and can carry
pollutants, sediments, and trash directly into our natural water
resources.
Why should I care?
As storm water runoff travels over the land, it picks up all kinds of
chemicals, waste, and trash that are not naturally found in our
waterways. Stormwater runoff enters the storm drain system through
inlets, and discharges untreated into creeks, lakes, and rivers. Some
chemicals and other substances in storm water can be toxic, even at
small levels, endangering plant and animals that depend on the water
to survive. Pollution of our waterways can also mean we cannot boat,
swim, or fish because it is unpleasant or even unsafe.
What can we do?
Stormwater pollution can be controlled if everyone plays a part in
preventing these substances from entering the storm drain inlets in
the streets where they live and work. You can help prevent storm
water pollution by eliminating illicit discharges; exercising responsible
use of herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers in lawn and landscape
maintenance; and proper disposal of used oil and toxic materials.
The Five Minimum Control Measures (MCM) and our Community
PUBLIC EDUCATION, OUTREACH, and INVOLVEMENT
CONSTRUCTION SITE STORM WATER RUNOFF CONTROL
ILLICIT DISCHARGE DETECTION and ELIMINATION
POST-CONSTRUCTION STORM WATER MANAGEMENT
POLLUTION PREVENTION/GOOD HOUSEKEEPING of MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS