What is stormwater runoff?
Stormwater runoff occurs when rain or snowmelt flows over the ground. Impervious surfaces like driveways, sidewalks and streets prevent stormwater from soaking into the ground.  

Why is stormwater runoff a problem?
As stormwater flows over driveways, lawns, streets and sidewalks it picks up debris, chemicals, dirt and other pollutants. Stormwater can flow into a storm sewer system or directly into a lake, stream, river or wetland. Anything that enters a storm sewer system is discharged untreated into the waterbodies we use for swimming, fishing, and providing drinking water. Polluted runoff is the nation’s greatest threat to clean water. 

What can I do to prevent stormwater pollution?
By practicing healthy household habits, homeowners can keep common pollutants like pesticides, pet waste, grass clippings, and automotive fluids off the ground and out of stormwater. Adopt these healthy household habits and help protect our lakes, streams, rivers and wetlands. Remember to share these habits with your neighbors!  

The Effects of Stormwater Pollution

• Sediment can cloud the water and make it difficult or impossible for aquatic plants to grow. Sediment can also destroy aquatic habitats.

• Excess nutrients can cause algae blooms. When algae die, they sink to the bottom and decompose in a process that removes oxygen from the water. Fish and other aquatic organisms cannot exist in water with low levels of dissolved oxygen.

•  Bacteria and other pathogens can wash into swimming areas and create health hazards, often causing beach closures.

•  Debris – plastic bags, six-pack rinks, bottles and cigarette butts – washed into waterways can choke, suffocate or disable aquatic life such as ducks, fish, turtles and birds.

•  Household hazardous waste like insecticides, pesticides, paint, solvents, used motor oil, and other auto fluids can poison aquatic life. Land animals and people can become sick and die from eating diseased fish and shellfish or ingesting polluted water.

•  Polluted stormwater often affects drinking water sources. This, in turn, can affect human health and increase drinking water treatment costs.

What can I do if I notice inappropriate dumping into or foul odors emanating from storm drains?
Call the Conservation Commission at 508-881-0100 x656.