|
|
 |
What is Stormwater?
Stormwater is caused by water flowing over the land, whether from rain, car washing or the watering of crops or lawns, picking up an array of contaminants including oil and sand from roadways, agricultural chemicals from farmland, and nutrients and toxic materials from urban and suburban areas. This runoff finds its way into our waterways, either directly or through storm drain collection systems, and is often referred to as nonpoint source pollution.
Sources of Stormwater Pollution
| Pollutant |
Common Sources |
Reasons for Concern |
| Sediment |
Construction sites; bare spots in lawns and gardens; wastewater from washing cars and boats on driveways or parking lots; unprotected and eroding stream banks. |
Loss or destruction of habitat for fish and plants. Potential navigation hindrances. |
| Pathogens |
Animal and pet wastes, malfunctioning septic systems, sewer overflows. |
Serious risk to human health. Closure of shellfish beds and beaches. |
| Nutrients |
Overused or spilled fertilizers; pet waste; grass clippings and leaves left on streets and sidewalks; leaves burned in ditches. |
Increased potential for nuisance or toxic algal blooms. Lower levels of dissolved oxygen. |
| Toxic Contaminants |
Car and truck exhaust; metallic debris from brake pads, leaks and spills of oil and gas; improperly applied pesticides. |
Serious risk to aquatic life. |
| Debris/Litter |
Improperly discarded plastic, fishing line, six-pack rings, Styrofoam, cigarette butts, grocery store bags, etc. |
Potential risk to human health and aquatic life. Unpleasant to see along the side of a road or the bank of a river. Expensive to clean up and discard properly. |
Source: South Carolina Coast-A-Syst
The term nonpoint is used to distinguish this type of pollution from point source pollution, which comes from specific sources such as sewage treatment plants or industrial facilities. Scientific evidence shows that although huge strides have been made in cleaning up major point sources, the effects of polluted runoff now threaten our precious water resources.
The bottom line is every street, parking lot, sidewalk, driveway, yard and garden can potentially contribute to the problem. The issue can only be solved by raising community awareness and educating our citizens about how to identify and correct pollution sources around homes and yards.
How Stormwater Affects Neighborhoods, Communities and Coastal Residents
Strategies for Coping with Polluted Runoff
|
|
|
|
