Bronte Wells
Stormwater pollution is a pressing issue that affects drinking water sources, human health, and aquatic ecosystems. Stormwater runoff occurs when precipitation from rain or snowmelt flows over impervious surfaces such as roads, parking lots, and rooftops, instead of soaking into the ground. As it flows, stormwater picks up pollutants such as trash, motor oil, nutrients from fertilizers, and other contaminants, which are then carried into storm drains and eventually discharged untreated into nearby streams, rivers, or water bodies. Human activities, including littering, improper waste disposal, and the use of pesticides and fertilizers, contribute significantly to stormwater pollution. Understanding the sources and impacts of stormwater pollution is crucial for developing effective strategies to mitigate its environmental and health consequences.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Stormwater | Water from rain or melting snow that does not soak into the ground |
| Stormwater runoff | Stormwater runoff is often worsened by human activities, and can contain nitrogen and phosphorus pollutants from fertilizers, pet and yard waste, motor oil, pesticides, salt, oil & grease, and other potential pollutants |
| Storm drains | Storm drains are designed to quickly move stormwater off paved or impervious surfaces, such as roads, parking lots, and rooftops |
| Impact of stormwater pollution | Polluted stormwater can affect drinking water sources, increase drinking water treatment costs, harm or kill fish and other wildlife, and degrade lakes, rivers, and wetlands |
| Preventing stormwater pollution | Reduce waste, properly dispose of trash, maintain septic systems, use biodegradable or non-toxic products, and avoid dumping anything down storm drains |
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What You'll Learn
- Dumping waste, such as motor oil, down storm drains
- Using single-use plastics, which can end up in waterways
- Failing to maintain septic systems, which can leak into storm sewers
- Washing cars on driveways, causing dirty water to enter storm sewers
- Using chemical fertilisers, which can be washed into storm drains
Dumping waste, such as motor oil, down storm drains
Stormwater runoff is a major source of water pollution. Stormwater is rainwater or snowmelt that flows over streets, parking lots, and roofs, collecting pollutants along the way, which are then deposited into water bodies or storm drains. This is a significant issue in urban and suburban areas, where there are many paved surfaces, and the ground cannot absorb water.
Dumping waste motor oil down storm drains is a harmful practice that contributes to stormwater pollution. Motor oil contains toxic substances that can contaminate water and harm aquatic life. A single gallon of motor oil has the potential to pollute 250,000 gallons of drinking water. When motor oil is dumped into storm drains, it can end up in nearby creeks, rivers, or other water bodies, impacting the health of both humans and the environment.
Motor oil is just one example of how human activities can worsen stormwater runoff. Other sources of pollution include fertilizers, pesticides, pet waste, yard waste, and litter. These pollutants are carried by stormwater into storm drains and water bodies without being treated, as there is no opportunity for filtration by soil, plants, or water treatment facilities.
To prevent stormwater pollution, it is crucial that individuals do not dump any waste, including motor oil, down storm drains. This illegal act can have severe consequences for the environment and human health. By properly disposing of motor oil and other waste, individuals can play a vital role in protecting water sources and the ecosystems that depend on them.
Additionally, the use of green infrastructure and low-impact development techniques can help address stormwater runoff issues. Implementing solutions such as rain gardens, pervious pavement, rain barrels, and green roofs can slow down and infiltrate stormwater, allowing plants to naturally filter out pollutants. These measures not only improve water quality but also reduce the costs associated with drinking water treatment.
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Using single-use plastics, which can end up in waterways
Stormwater runoff is a major source of nutrient pollution. When rain or snowmelt flows over streets, parking lots, and roofs, it collects excess nutrients and pollutants before entering storm drains or bodies of water. This runoff water can contain nitrogen and phosphorus pollutants from fertilizers, pet and yard waste, motor oil, litter, salt, pesticides, oil, grease, and other contaminants.
Single-use plastics contribute significantly to stormwater pollution and the degradation of waterways. When plastic waste is improperly disposed of, it can be blown away during transport to landfills or carried by rainwater and wind into streams and rivers, eventually reaching the ocean. Microfibres from synthetic textiles are released into waterways when clothes are washed in washing machines, and plastic products such as wet wipes, cotton buds, and sanitary items are flushed down toilets. These microplastics are consumed by marine species and can enter the human food chain.
To reduce plastic pollution in waterways, it is essential to minimize the use of single-use items and switch to reusable alternatives, such as water bottles and shopping bags. Properly disposing of plastic waste by recycling and avoiding littering is crucial. Individuals can ensure their trash cans and recycling bins are covered to prevent plastic waste from being blown away by the wind. Educating others about the impacts of plastic pollution and advocating for policies that prioritize the health of waterways are also important steps in reducing plastic pollution in waterways.
Additionally, green infrastructure techniques can help address stormwater runoff by slowing it down and allowing plants to filter out pollutants as the water infiltrates the ground. Implementing solutions such as rain gardens, pervious pavement, rain barrels, and green roofs can help manage stormwater and reduce the pollution entering storm drains and, subsequently, waterways.
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Failing to maintain septic systems, which can leak into storm sewers
Stormwater runoff is a major source of nutrient pollution. Rain and snowmelt can wash pollutants from streets, parking lots, lawns, and construction sites into storm sewers and ditches. This water eventually empties directly into streams and rivers without treatment, degrading lakes, rivers, wetlands, and other waterways.
One way humans contribute to stormwater pollution is by failing to maintain their septic systems, which can leak harmful bacteria and untreated sewage into storm sewers and local waterways. Septic systems require routine maintenance to ensure reliable service and prevent costly and dangerous failures. Homeowners often overlook inspections because these wastewater systems are underground. However, regular inspections every 1 to 3 years are vital to prevent leaks and sewage backups, which can impact human and animal health and the environment.
Signs of a failing septic system include wet, soggy areas or bright green grass above the drainfield, as well as odors near the tank or drainfield. These issues may indicate that the drainfield is saturated or that the system has reached its capacity to accept waste. In some cases, tree roots can clog the soil absorption field, and improper design or construction can also lead to early system failure.
To prevent septic system failures, it is important to inspect the inlet and outlet baffles regularly for clogs and to ensure that only human waste and toilet paper are flushed. Annual inspections by service professionals can help identify potential issues and extend the lifetime of the system. By maintaining their septic systems, homeowners can play a crucial role in reducing water pollution and protecting the health of their community and the environment.
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Washing cars on driveways, causing dirty water to enter storm sewers
Stormwater is water from rain or melting snow that does not soak into the ground. It flows from rooftops, paved areas, bare soil, and sloped lawns. As it flows, stormwater runoff collects and transports animal waste, litter, salt, pesticides, fertilizers, oil, grease, soil, and other potential pollutants.
Washing your car on the driveway means that the water, dirt, grime, grease, and oil from your car will flow into nearby storm drains, which can then run directly into lakes, rivers, or streams. Soaps used to wash cars often contain chemicals that harm fish and degrade water quality. Some soaps may also contain phosphates, which can cause excess algae to grow in local waterways. As algae decays, it uses up oxygen in the water that fish need to survive.
To prevent dirty water from entering storm sewers, wash your car on the lawn or gravel, allowing the water to percolate or soak into the ground. You can also use a commercial car wash where the water is recycled and then sent to a wastewater treatment facility. When washing your car, it is also important to use biodegradable or non-toxic soap that is phosphate-free.
By taking these simple steps, we can help to reduce stormwater pollution and protect our local waterways.
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Using chemical fertilisers, which can be washed into storm drains
Stormwater runoff is a major source of nutrient pollution. In undeveloped areas, precipitation soaks into the ground. However, when hard surfaces like roads and parking lots are introduced, the ground cannot absorb the water. This water, known as stormwater, then flows over these surfaces and into storm drains.
Human activities can worsen stormwater runoff by introducing pollutants such as nitrogen and phosphorus from chemical fertilisers. When it rains, the water washes these fertilisers into storm drains, polluting the water. Lawns and plants are often unable to absorb all the water-soluble fertilisers in chemical fertilisers, so the excess becomes a source of water pollution.
The nutrients released by fertilisers stimulate the growth of microorganisms such as algae. This can lead to a phenomenon known as "algae bloom", where algae grow out of control, reducing the clarity and visibility of the water. Repeated algae blooms can turn lakes and rivers green and deplete oxygen levels, resulting in fish kills and degraded water habitats. This can further affect drinking water supplies and create environmental issues.
To prevent stormwater pollution from chemical fertilisers, it is important to properly manage the application of fertilisers. Farmers can adopt nutrient management techniques by applying fertilisers in the correct amounts, at the right time of year, and with the appropriate methods and placement. Homeowners can also minimise or eliminate their use of chemical fertilisers by using harvested rainwater, which contains natural nutrients that are beneficial for plants.
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Frequently asked questions
Human activities contribute to storm drain pollution when pollutants are washed from streets, parking lots, and lawns into storm drains. These pollutants include trash, motor oil, animal waste, litter, salt, pesticides, fertilizers, oil, grease, and soil.
Stormwater pollution can contaminate drinking water sources, leading to potential health risks and increased drinking water treatment costs.
Stormwater pollution comes from small, individual sources in all parts of the watershed. These sources include rainfall, car washing, and lawn care activities.
Stormwater pollution can be prevented by reducing waste, properly disposing of trash, maintaining septic systems, and using green infrastructure to slow down and filter stormwater runoff.
