Stormwater

What is Stormwater and Why Is It an Issue?

Stormwater is water from rain or melting snow that does not soak into the ground. It flows down slopes and roads, along ditches or from rooftops, over paved areas, across bare soil, and through sloped lawns and fields. As it flows, this runoff collects and transports pollutants such as soil, pet waste, salt, pesticides, fertilizer, oil and grease, yard waste, litter and other contaminants.

You don’t need a heavy rainstorm to send pollutants rushing toward streams, wetlands and lakes—your hose can supply enough water. Even if your house is not on the waterfront storm drains or storm sewers carry runoff from your neighborhood to the nearest stream, wetland or body of water. Contrary to popular belief, most street storm drains do not carry stormwater to sewage plants for treatment. Often they flow directly into the water you enjoy for swimming and fishing.

Polluted stormwater lowers the quality of Michigan’s lakes, rivers and wetlands.

• Soil clouds water and degrades habitat for fish and water plants.
  
  
• Nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen from fertilizers and animal wastes promote the growth of algae, which crowd out other aquatic life.
  
  
• Toxic chemicals such as antifreeze and oil from leaking cars, carelessly applied pesticides, and zinc from galvanized metal gutters and downspouts threaten the health of fish and other aquatic life.
  
  
• Bacteria and parasites from pet, waterfowl and other animal waste can affect nearby inland lakes and streams.
  
  
• As many people have discovered, stormwater can be a problem closer to home, flowing into basements, where it can be difficult and hazardous to clean up.
  
  
• Stormwater can also flow down an abandoned well or poorly sealed well casing (pipe) and contaminate drinking water.
  
  There are many ways to reduce the risks posed by stormwater including stewardship practices that keep the pollutants out of stormwater as well as best management practices to reduce the amount of stormwater runoff.
  
  Visit Environmental Campus to take the 3 online training courses in Stormwater which are found under the headings of Water Quality and Use, Your Home and Your Yard.
  
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