Stormwater

STORMWATER AND WHY YOU SHOULD CARE

DRINKING WATER

Stormwater pollution can impact our surface waters which directly impacts the source of our drinking water. Water is a staple in our daily lives. We use it for drinking, washing our clothes, showering, watering our lawns, and more. As pollution continues to impact drinking water supplies, there will be continued efforts to test and treat contaminants, leading to increasing prices for clean and safe drinking water.

HABITAT

Urban development can alter their habitat by polluting water, changing water temperature, degrading in-stream and riparian habitat, and altering the natural flow of rivers and streams. Water pollution creates an unhealthy environment for habitat and wildlife that live in and around waterways. The erosion of sediment into rivers and streams can be detrimental to fish and other aquatic life that need gravel and rocks to spawn and rear their young (i.e. fish and frogs). Sediment can also fill in pools that are an important part of fish habitat.

RECREATION

Stormwater pollution is a serious problem for wildlife dependent on our waterways and for the people who live near polluted rivers, lakes, and streams. It can cause a decline in fish populations, disturb habitats and limit water recreation activities. E. Coli (Escherichia coli) bacteria from human and animal waste is often carried in polluted stormwater runoff posing a threat to humans and the overall health of the ecosystem.

QUALITY OF LIFE

Uncontrolled stormwater pollution affects the way a stream or other water body looks and smells, making it unpleasant to be near. This can impact the quality of life for everyone living in and around a community. Increased nutrients, usually from fertilizers, may cause algae blooms, particularly on ponds and small lakes. These algae blooms not only make the pond look bad, they choke out the other vegetation and aquatic life. Trash and debris in the drainage system can lead to foul odors and may attract rats and other pests. Large amounts of sediment can harm the quality of life and reduce opportunities for recreation due to infilling of creeks, ponds, and lakes. If trash reaches the stream, it ruins the beauty for everyone.

For more information, visit www.epa.gov/nps or www.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater