Stormwater

Stormwater runoff is generated from rainfall and snowmelt that does not soak into the ground and flows over open land and impervious surfaces, such as streets, parking lots and rooftops. As it flows over the ground surface, the runoff picks up pollutants, including garbage, oils, chemicals and sediment, that can cause harm to receiving streams, rivers, lakes and coastal waters. Effective management of stormwater runoff can provide the following benefits:

• Protection of wetlands and aquatic ecosystems
• Improved quality of receiving waterbodies
• Conservation of water resources
• Protection of public health
• Flood control