What is Stormwater Runoff and Why Is it a Problem?

Stormwater runoff occurs when water from rain or snowmelt flows over the ground. Stormwater can pick up pollutants such as oil and grease, chemicals, nutrients, metals and bacteria and flow into stormwater systems or directly to the lake, streams, rivers or wetlands. Anything that enters the stormwater system is discharged untreated into the waterways we use for swimming, fishing and providing drinking water.

By making little changes to your daily habits, you can help keep pollutants out of our stormwater. Click here to find healthy habits for clean water.