What is storm water pollution?
Many people think that pollution in our streams, rivers and lakes only comes from industrial facilities or wastewater treatment plants. Even if all these sources of pollution were eliminated, much of the pollution would still remain. The remaining source of pollution that is not caused by specific, identifiable sources are called non-point source pollution. Typical pollutants include litter; sediments from exposed soil, pet waste, detergents, pesticides and fertilizers from lawns and gardens, paints, oil, grease and toxic chemicals from motor vehicles, road salts, and household hazardous wastes. When these materials are improperly used or disposed of, they can be picked up by storm water runoff as it flows across streets, parking lots and lawns. After this storm water runoff travels through the storm sewer system, it is discharged to receiving waters without any treatment. As a result, any pollutant that is dumped on the ground can end up in our creeks, rivers and lakes. There are seri
