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Urban Runoff:
Polluting the Water

Urban and Suburban areas contain large areas of pavement and rooftops called impervious surfaces.

In nature most rain and snowmelt seeps into the ground but water cannot soak into ground that has been paved over. The water does not just disappear, however. Instead, it runs over the pavement until it drains into a lake, river or stream.

storm drainThe more paved ground there is, the more runoof is created .

In nature only about 10 percent of all precipitation becomes runoff. However in developed areas 55-100% of all precipitation will be runoff depending on the amount of impervious surface area. As the runoff washes along the ground it, it picks up chemicals, dirt and other debris that may be lying on the surface.

This pollution travels with the water into storm drains then into lakes, streams and rivers. Some of this water can make it back into the water supply, and this makes purifying drinking water more complicated - and expensive.

Drain SystemChemicals that are often found in Urban Runoff :

    • Oil
    • Antifreeze
    • Nutrients
    • Pesticides and Fertilizers
    • Detergents/Soap
Contributing to Flooding

Running StreamAs water travels over paved surfaces, it picks up speed.

Runoff cannot soak into the soil because of the pavement, so there's more water flowing into streams.

The Higher speed and volume of water creates more powerful currents which speeds up erosion along stream banks. These banks become unstable threatening roads, bridges and homes.

The unstable banks and the additional volume and speed of the runoff makes it more likely flash floods will occur.

Since groundwater is reduced and precipitation drains quickly streams are likely to dry up between precipitation events. This makes an area more susceptible to drought.

Runoff from streets is hot and causes the temperature of rivers and creeks to rise affecting fish and recreation.
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What can I do?

Everyone can make a difference.

  1. Wash your vehicle at a car wash. When you wash your car on pavement the soap and cleaning chemicals drain into a stream or river. Carwashes drain into a wastewater treatment facility.
  2. Proper disposal of automotive products . It's illegal to dump used motor oil down the drain or in landfills. Take it and other chemicals- like antifreeze and brake fluid- to places that can recycle or correctly dispose of these products.
  3. Follow the instructions on lawn care products . Plants can only use so much fertilizer or pesticides. Adding extra won't help them; the excess just washes away with the rain
  4. Pick up after your pet. Pet waste washed into streams often carries harmful bacteria. Dispose of animal waste instead of just leaving it on the ground.
  5. Get the trash out of streams. Some people dump trash and yard waste in streams. This can pollute the water.

Symptoms of Urban Runoff

  • Increased flooding and streambank erosion
  • Streams that dry up quickly
  • Excessive plant growth in the waters
  • Sediment clogged drainage ditches
  • Decreasing lake depths
  • Contaminated water supplies
  • Decrease in fish and wildlife
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