​Why is Clean Stormwater Important?

​Untreated stormwater flows directly into our creeks, rivers and lakes where we swim, fish and boat.

• Water is directly linked to many of our daily activities and the quality of life in our communities. Many people do not know that much of the pollution in our waterways comes from our daily activities around the home, in the yard, in the car, at work, and outdoors. These activities contribute small amounts of pollutants that are washed into streams when it rains.
  
• Stormwater is not treated by a wastewater treatment plant. It goes directly into storm drains, swales, culverts or pipes that flow into our local streams and lakes that we fish and swim in. Oftentimes, these waterways are also the source for our drinking water.

What is Stormwater Pollution

​Stormwater polution is anything in the stormwater that doesn’t belong there, including: litter, dirt, chemicals (such as fertilizer, herbicides and auto fluids), sewage, and yard waste.

• Stormwater pollution is the debris, chemicals, sediment, litter, and other materials that are picked up when it rains. After all, if it’s on the ground, it’s in your water.
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  Stormwater runoff is generated from rainfall washing over land that does not filter into the ground. As the runoff flows over the land, streets, parking lots, and rooftops, it accumulates debris, chemicals, sediment and other pollutants that adversely affect water quality.

How does polluted stormwater affect me?

• ​Higher water and sewer bills.
  
• Waters closed for swimming, boating and fishing.
  
• Increase in local cost for clean water compliance, leading to higher taxes or fees.
  
• Loss of some fish and aquatic insect species.
  
  Our collective actions make a big impact on stormwater quality – it is important for you to do your part! There are simple and small changes that YOU can make to improve our water today and for future generations.  

Story of another watershed