What is Storm Water?
ClintonRiver Watershed Council
Anchor Bay Watershed
St. Clair County Health Department
Southeast Michigan Council of Governments
Did you know we all live on a lake or stream? It’s true - We might not be able to see it from our window, but it's there. It might be a small stream, ditch or even the storm drain in the street, yet all of these lead to a river or lake. Why is this important to you ? Remember that what we do at home affects our rivers and lakes!
What is Storm Water?
Storm water is the rainfall/ snowmelt that flows over our yards, streets, parking lots, and buildings and either enters the storm drain system or runs directly into a lake or stream.
Storm drains are the openings you see along curbs, in streets and parking lots. They carry away rainwater and snowmelt and transport it through to nearby lakes and streams. Water and other debris that enter storm drains do not go to a treatment facility. A sanitary sewer takes household water and waste from toilets, sinks and showers, and transports it to a wastewater treatment facility. There, the water is treated and discharged back to a lake or stream.
How Does Storm Water Get Polluted?
As storm water flows over our lawns and driveways, it picks up fertilizers, oil, chemicals, sediments, grass clippings, litter, pet waste, and anything else in its path. The storm drain system then transports these pollutants, now in the water, to local lakes and streams. Anything that goes into a storm drain eventually ends up in a lake or stream.
What Is Polluting Our Storm Water?
Pollutants from the roadways, lawns, construction sites, and carelessly discarded trash, (cigarette butts, paper wrappers, and plastic bottles, etc.), when deposited into nearby storm water sewers can impair the waterways, thereby discouraging recreational use,contaminating drinking water supplies, and interfering with habitat for fish and wildlife.
What Can I Do About Storm Water Pollution?
Storm water pollution is caused by the daily activities of people everywhere. Practice healthy habits will help to keep common pollutants off the ground and out of storm water. Visit web sites, which contain valuable information and programs activities for water quality.
How Can You Help Improve The Water Quality In Your Area?
Increase your awareness, Increase your activity, and Change your habits.
Visit these web sites for more information: