Brian Barton
Stormwater is rainfall that flows over the ground and is not absorbed by the soil or evaporated. It often encounters impervious or pervious-resistant surfaces, such as streets, parking lots, and rooftops, which divert the natural flow of rainwater into storm drains, retention ponds, ditches, or nearby bodies of water. As stormwater flows over these surfaces, it picks up and mobilizes various pollutants, including fertilizers, oil, pet waste, heavy metals, soaps, pesticides, dirt, bacteria, and other contaminants. These pollutants are then transported into receiving waters, leading to water pollution and causing harm to local creeks, rivers, and lakes. The primary pollutants in stormwater are the nutrients nitrogen and phosphorus, which can cause harmful algae blooms in waterways. The issue of stormwater pollution is exacerbated by human activities and is particularly prevalent in urban and suburban areas with a high proportion of paved and hard surfaces.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Primary pollutants | Nitrogen and phosphorus |
| Secondary pollutants | Soaps/detergents, automobile fluids, pesticides, fertilizers, oil, pet waste, heavy metals, dirt, bacteria, and other pollutants |
| Sources | Careless and intentional littering, historic dumping, loose garbage, failing home septic systems, everyday compounds, and toxic compounds |
| Effects | Physical damage (flooding, streambank erosion, and loss of fish habitat), water pollution, gastrointestinal illnesses, harmful algae blooms, and contaminated drinking water supplies |
| Prevention | Green infrastructure, reducing runoff, proper waste disposal, general vehicle upkeep, addressing oil leaks, using phosphate-free soap, maintaining septic systems, and reducing impervious surfaces |
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What You'll Learn
Stormwater carries harmful bacteria, protozoa, and viruses
Stormwater is rainfall that flows over the ground and is not absorbed by the soil or evaporated. As stormwater washes across the land, it picks up harmful materials, causing water pollution. Stormwater can cause physical damage, such as flooding and streambank erosion, and it can also contaminate water sources with pollutants. These pollutants include bacteria, protozoa, and viruses, which can cause gastrointestinal illnesses when ingested.
The presence of harmful bacteria, protozoa, and viruses in stormwater is a significant concern. These pathogens come from various animal and human sources, including improperly disposed of pet waste, livestock manure, and failing home septic systems. When stormwater washes across the land, it can pick up these pathogens and transport them into local waterways, including streams, rivers, and lakes. This can lead to the contamination of drinking water supplies and the closure of swimming beaches.
To prevent the spread of harmful bacteria, protozoa, and viruses in stormwater, it is essential to properly manage animal waste and septic systems. Pet owners should clean up after their pets, and livestock manure should be properly managed and composted in designated areas to prevent it from washing into nearby waterways. Homeowners with septic systems should also ensure regular inspections, maintenance, and pumping to prevent failures that can release untreated sewage into the environment.
Everyday compounds can also contribute to the presence of harmful bacteria, protozoa, and viruses in stormwater when they are overused or used improperly. Common toxic compounds include pesticides, excess winter salt applications, and automotive fluids such as gas, oil, and antifreeze leaks. To mitigate this issue, individuals should use these compounds sparingly and properly dispose of any excess or waste.
Additionally, the use of green infrastructure can help address stormwater runoff and reduce the spread of pollutants. Green infrastructure techniques, such as rain gardens, pervious pavement, rain barrels, and green roofs, slow down stormwater, allowing plants to naturally filter out pollutants as the water infiltrates the ground. Implementing these strategies can help reduce the impact of stormwater runoff and improve the quality of local waterways.
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Pollution from fertilizers, pet and yard waste
Stormwater can pick up harmful materials as it washes across the land, causing water pollution and physical damage, such as flooding and streambank erosion. The primary pollutants in stormwater are the nutrients nitrogen and phosphorus, which can cause plant and algae blooms in streams and rivers, including harmful algae blooms that can be fatal to swimmers and pets.
Fertilizers, when applied too frequently or heavily, or before heavy rainfall, can cause fertilizer runoff, which carries excess nutrients into local waterways, contributing to algae blooms and fish kills. To prevent this, it is recommended to use "slow-release" or "controlled-release" fertilizers and follow application instructions carefully.
Pet waste is another significant source of stormwater pollution, containing harmful bacteria such as E. coli, which can contaminate water sources and pose risks to both human and environmental health. Improperly disposed pet waste can be washed into storm drainage systems by rain, irrigation, or melting snow, leading to oxygen depletion and the release of ammonia, which can be deadly for fish. Public awareness campaigns, improved waste disposal infrastructure, and stormwater management practices, such as permeable pavements and bioswales, are crucial for reducing the impact of pet waste on water quality.
Yard waste, such as uncovered soil on lawns and gardens, can contribute to soil erosion when washed away by stormwater. This erosion can lead to physical damage to water bodies, such as smothering stream habitats and altering stream flow. To mitigate soil erosion, it is recommended to cover bare soil with garden mulch or crop residues, slowing down stormwater and reducing its erosive energy.
Overall, pollution from fertilizers, pet waste, and yard waste are significant concerns regarding stormwater. Implementing proper waste disposal practices, educating the public, and utilizing green infrastructure solutions are essential steps towards mitigating the impact of these pollutants on the environment and human health.
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Oil leaks and automobile fluids
Stormwater is a leading cause of water pollution. When rain or snowmelt flows over impervious surfaces like roads, parking lots, and sidewalks, it picks up pollutants and contaminants, including oil leaks and automobile fluids. These fluids contain toxic chemicals that can harm wildlife and impact water sources used for agriculture and drinking.
Oil leaks and automobile fluid leaks are a significant contributor to stormwater pollution. Motor oil, transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid, and gasoline are some of the common automotive fluids that can end up on pavements and roads due to leaks or improper disposal. When it rains, these fluids are washed away and end up in the nearest storm drain, eventually contaminating local waterways.
The impact of these leaks on the environment is significant. Hydrocarbons, which are oily substances found in automotive fluids, are toxic to aquatic life. They can negatively affect the growth and reproductive behaviours of fish and other organisms and even cause breathing difficulties. Additionally, these hydrocarbons can bioaccumulate and pose a threat to human health as carcinogenic contaminants.
To address this issue, proper maintenance of vehicles is crucial. Car owners should regularly inspect their vehicles for leaks and promptly repair any issues. Spill kits and absorbent materials should be used to contain and clean up spills during maintenance or repairs. Used fluids must be collected in sealed containers and properly disposed of at designated centres or recycling facilities.
Furthermore, reducing the number of vehicles on the road is essential. Alternative modes of transportation, such as walking or cycling, can help lessen car emissions and the potential for leaks. Implementing green infrastructure, such as rain gardens and pervious pavement, can also slow down stormwater runoff, allowing natural processes to filter out pollutants before they reach water bodies.
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Soil erosion and sediment
Stormwater is a major cause of water pollution and soil erosion. As rainwater falls on streets, parking lots, and rooftops, it collects various pollutants, including fertilizers, oil, pesticides, dirt, bacteria, and trash. This polluted stormwater then flows directly into nearby water bodies, such as streams, rivers, and lakes, without proper treatment. The high amount of paved and hard surfaces in urban and suburban areas contributes to increased stormwater runoff, leading to physical damage and water pollution.
Soil erosion, a significant consequence of stormwater runoff, occurs when bare soil is washed away by stormwater, leading to streambank erosion and the loss of fish habitats. The key to preventing soil erosion is to slow down stormwater and reduce its erosive energy. This can be achieved by covering bare soil with garden mulches or crop residues. Implementing green infrastructure techniques, such as rain gardens, pervious pavement, and rain barrels, can help manage stormwater and reduce its impact on soil erosion.
Sediment, which is primarily a result of soil erosion, poses a significant threat to water bodies. Sediment can smother stream habitats, alter stream flow, and increase nutrient levels to harmful concentrations. Sources of sediment include uncovered soil on lawns, gardens, and farmlands, particularly on hillsides. Muddy construction sites, poorly maintained dirt roads, and careless logging practices also contribute to sediment runoff.
To mitigate the issue of sediment in stormwater, it is crucial to address the sources of soil erosion. This includes implementing erosion control measures such as soil stabilization techniques, using erosion control blankets, or installing sediment basins to capture and remove sediment from stormwater before it is released into water bodies. Proper land management practices, such as contour plowing in farmland or terracing, can also help reduce soil erosion and sediment runoff.
Additionally, public education and community involvement play a vital role in reducing sediment and soil erosion. Encouraging residents to adopt erosion control practices on their properties, such as planting vegetation or using mulch, can help minimize sediment runoff. Implementing buffer zones along water bodies and restoring riparian habitats can also trap sediment and improve water quality.
In summary, soil erosion and sediment are significant concerns related to stormwater pollution. By implementing preventive measures, adopting sustainable land management practices, and engaging communities in erosion control efforts, we can effectively mitigate the impact of soil erosion and sediment on our water resources.
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Trash and littering
Littering has severe consequences for aquatic ecosystems and wildlife. Trash can block waterways, decreasing oxygen levels and potentially choking, suffocating, or disabling aquatic life such as ducks, fish, turtles, and birds. Plastic pollution is especially harmful, as it breaks down into microplastics, which are ingested by aquatic organisms and have been documented to kill or harm nearly 700 wildlife species. Microplastics are now an emerging contaminant of concern in stormwater, as they are pervasive in the environment due to the widespread use of nylon and polypropylene in consumer products.
The collective actions of homes and households are now the biggest contributors to water pollution, surpassing industrial sources. This shift highlights the need for individual responsibility and behavior change to reduce littering and trash pollution. Proper waste disposal and recycling practices are crucial, as most litter can be recycled, protecting the environment and conserving natural resources. Individuals can take simple actions, such as carrying a bag for waste in their vehicles, reusing and recycling items, and joining community clean-up events.
To address the issue of trash and littering in stormwater, public education and engagement are essential. There is a recognized need for increased outreach and awareness campaigns to inform the public about the impacts of littering and the importance of proper waste management. Initiatives like the "Last Stop: The Ocean" Campaign Toolkit provide educational resources to raise awareness about water and trash flows and offer simple solutions for individuals to prevent and reduce litter. Additionally, community-driven programs like "Adopt-a-Drain" and "Adopt-a-Road" empower volunteers to take responsibility for clearing trash from drains, roads, and other locations in their neighborhoods.
While individual actions are vital, systemic changes are also necessary to address the root causes of trash and littering in stormwater. There is a recognized need for more federal grants and funding for local governments to support trash clean-up and prevention initiatives. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) initiatives have been proposed to hold producers of plastic packaging and fast-food companies more accountable for the environmental impacts of their products, shifting some of the financial burden from municipal governments and taxpayers.
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Frequently asked questions
Stormwater is rainfall that flows over the ground and is not absorbed by the soil or evaporated. It often flows over impervious surfaces such as streets, parking lots, and rooftops, picking up contaminants and transporting them into nearby bodies of water.
Stormwater can contain various pollutants, including fertilizers, oil, pesticides, heavy metals, soaps, pet waste, and bacteria. The primary pollutants are the nutrients nitrogen and phosphorus, which can cause harmful algae blooms in waterways. Microplastics are also an emerging contaminant of concern in stormwater.
Stormwater pollution has several negative impacts on the environment. It can cause physical damage, such as flooding and streambank erosion, and it contributes to water pollution by carrying harmful contaminants into local waterways. These pollutants can harm wildlife, contaminate drinking water supplies, and lead to the closure of swimming beaches and shellfish growing areas.
