What is polluted runoff?

Stormwater runoff becomes polluted as it flows over the surface of the land and picks up contaminants. Since it isn’t filtered through the ground the runoff carries these contaminates to waterways. Some contaminates, like pesticides, fertilizers, oil and soap, are harmful in any quantity. Others like bacteria and nutrients from pet waste, grass clippings, and leaves can harm receiving waters if in large quantities. Any surface can accumulate these contaminates including lawns and agricultural land but the biggest concern for the City are impervious surfaces. Impervious surfaces are manmade areas that do not allow any infiltration of water through them to the ground below like roads and buildings. These areas are most likely to have a build-up of contaminates in comparison to lawns or other open space in the City.

Show All Answers

1. What is stormwater runoff?
2. What is polluted runoff?
3. What is Nonpoint Source Pollution
4. What causes polluted Stormwater Runoff?
5. Why do we need to manage stormwater and polluted runoff?
6. How is stormwater runoff "managed"?
7. Why all the recent fuss about stormwater?
8. If stormwater pollution only affects streams and creeks, why should I care?
9. How are stormwater fees used?
10. How does this benefit the average taxpayer?
11. Ten things you can do to prevent stormwater runoff erosion
12. How can I help reduce storwater pollution in my area?