What problems can stormwater cause?
Stormwater can cause quality and quantity problems. It picks up anything in its path and delivers it to our water resources (streams, rivers and lakes). Pollutants including oil, yard waste, fertilizers, litter and sediment can create stormwater of poor quality that can h arm our streams, wetlands and other resources. Too much stormwater is also harmful. In an area with natural ground cover (grass, trees, etc), only 10% of the rainwater runds directly into the streams. The other 90% is absorbed or evaporates. In urban areas, up to 55% of rainfall can become stormwater runoff. THis increased runoff in urban areas can cause flooding, erosion and property damage if not wisely managed.
