What is Stormwater Runoff, and Why is it Important?
Stormwater runoff is rain or snowmelt that flows over the ground and into the City’s stormwater system or directly into creeks and streams. As this runoff flows, it can pick up and transport harmful pollutants such as oils and greases, heavy metals, pesticides, fertilizers, trash and debris, sediment, and animal wastes. The City and a Citizens Advisory Committee has completed the development of a proposed Water Resources Protection Program (WRPP). CLICK HERE to find out more. Our storm drains do not connect to water treatment facilities, but rather drain untreated into local waterways. Pollutants are carried along with stormwater runoff into our creeks, streams, and the Rivanna River. As a result, contaminated stormwater runoff is a major source of pollution to our local waterways. Excessive contamination of runoff can cause erosion and sedimentation of our streams, water quality degradation, and unhealthy water conditions for humans and wildlife. Impervious Cover, Stormwater Runoff, a
