Why the concern for storm water runoff?
The answer is pollution. Although many people think of point source pollution (pollution that can be easily identified through an outlet pipe, such as an industrial plant or sewage treatment plant) as the primary source of water pollution, nonpoint source pollution (NPS) in reality is the large problem. NPS comes from sources all over the watershed, and its points of origin can be very difficult to determine. When it rains or when snow melts, the water washes away pollutants that have accumulated on roads, highways, sidewalks, and parking lots. These pollutants are carried away by water and washed directly into local streams and rivers through ditches and storm sewers. When left uncontrolled, these pollutants can cause stream habitat degradation, a loss of aesthetic value, and contamination of drinking water supplies. NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM Permits for wastewater have been required through the Clean Water Act since 1972. The USEPA began to regulate stormwater w
