Stormwater Runoff Pollution

Contaminants

As it rains, the stormwater runs over streets, sidewalks, parking lots, and yards picking up pollution such as: 

  • Brake fluid
  • Fertilizer
  • Garbage
  • Grease
  • Herbicides
  • Oil
  • Pesticides

This untreated stormwater pollution travels into the stormwater system for treatment via gutters, swales, ditches, and pipes and eventually ends up in a natural system like a wetland, lake, river, or the aquifer. Stormwater increases as impervious (non-porous) surfaces increase. Saturated lawns from overwatering or heavy rain events can also act as an impervious surface.

Control Measures

Examples of City activities to control stormwater pollution:

  • Controlling construction site erosion.
  • Distributing educational materials to the public.
  • Inspecting the storm sewer system to find and eliminate pollution sources.
  • Sweeping streets, cleaning catch basins and labeling storm drains.