Stormwater runoff is the result of rain that cannot be absorbed into the soil or used by plants and trees. In urban areas, rain or snow that falls on impervious surfaces such as roofs, parking lots, and streets is not absorbed into the ground and only about 65 percent of stormwater is absorbed into the soil during rain events. The remaining water becomes runoff.
Stormwater pollution is a result of the runoff carrying pollutants such as lawn chemicals, automotive waste, pet waste, litter and soil erosion directly into creeks and streams. This pollution can cause poor water quality, destroy fish, wildlife and aquatic habitats, lessen aesthetic values, and threaten public health. Residents are encouraged to decrease the amount of runoff leaving their yard before it reaches our creeks and streams, which is then carried into untreated storm drains.