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| Oxygen-robbing runoffs such as
phosphorous and nitrogen can choke the life from fresh water. |
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| One way to improve stormwater is
to avoid hosing car-washing detergent into street drains. |
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Teaching
Guide |
This teaching guide is
designed to complement the 20-minute video, The Truth About H2O. Click here to request
the video. Please note that video supplies are limited and may no longer be
available.
Stormwater Management
Who would have thought that something as simple as changing oil in a
car, bathing a dog outdoors or making a garden could produce water pollution? The idea may
seem farfetched, but that's exactly what happens when things like oil and grease, soaps
and fertilizers are washed off roads, bridges, parking lots, rooftops and other
impermeable surfaces by runoff from rain or melting snow.
Most of us assume that the runoff goes through storm drains and into a water treatment
plant, but that’s not the case. As it flows over these surfaces, the water picks up
dirt and dust, rubber and metal deposits from tire wear, antifreeze and engine oil that
has dripped onto the pavement, pesticides and fertilizers, discarded cups, plastic bags,
cigarette butts, pet waste and other litter. These contaminants are carried into our
lakes, rivers, streams and oceans.
Nonpoint Source
Pollution
The result of such runoff is called nonpoint source (NPS) pollution because it comes from
many varied sources. Stormwater runoff rivals or exceeds discharges from factories and
sewage plants as a source of pollution throughout the United States. Roads, highways and
bridges are a source of significant contributions of pollutants to our nation’s
waters.
Some of the contaminants found commonly in stormwater
discharges include heavy metals, such as copper, zinc and lead, which have been shown to
cause health and reproductive problems in pregnant women and children, as well as
oxygen-robbing nutrients, such as phosphorus and nitrogen, which can choke the life out of
streams, rivers, ponds and lakes. Additionally, stormwater is a major source of bacterial
contamination in coastal zones, leading to beach closings and diseased shellfish
populations. Lastly, high flows of rushing floodwater scour stream banks and beds,
destroying habitat for aquatic life.
Using Stormwater
Because humans create urban stormwater pollution, humans can reduce or prevent it through
stormwater management, which aims to reduce the number of pollutants to our stormwater
drains and to raise public awareness that stormwater is a valuable water resource rather
than a waste product. Urban stormwater is generally not high quality, but with some
treatment and preventative measures, it can be used for toilet flushing; car washing;
irrigation of parks, lawns, playing fields and gardens; and fire extinguishing systems. It
can also be used to supply hydrants; artificial lakes and wetlands for recreation;
industrial cooling towers; and to recharge aquifers.
Improving Stormwater
We can help improve stormwater management in a number of ways:
• Reduce fertilizer use on gardens and lawns.
• Don’t dispose of used oil or grease down stormwater pits, and clean up spilled
brake fluid, oil, grease and antifreeze. Do not hose them into the street where they can
eventually reach local streams and lakes.
• Pick up dog (animal) feces from your yard or when walking your dog.
• Don’t wash your car where the detergent water can run into the stormwater
drains.
• Keep litter, pet wastes, leaves and debris out of the street gutters and storm
drains.
• Control soil erosion on your property by planting ground cover and stabilizing
erosion-prone areas.
The need to protect our environment has resulted in a number of
pollution-control laws, regulations and programs at federal, state and local levels. For
example, in 1987, Congress established the Nonpoint Source Management Program under the
Clean Water Act. These programs recommend where and how best to use management practices
to prevent runoff from becoming polluted. The programs also explain where the runoff is
polluted, to reduce the amount that reaches surface waters.
We all can play a hand in preventing runoff pollution by getting
involved. It is up to us to take the steps necessary to keep our waters clean —
regardless of the weather.
Sources
"Controlling Nonpoint Source Runoff Pollution from Roads,
Highways and Bridges." EPA, Office of Water. August 1995. Internet.
"Every Little Bit Hurts: Nonpoint Source Pollution and Tips for Prevention."
Aurora Utilities Home Page. 1998. Internet.
"GREENWorks." June 1996. Internet.
"Managing Nonpoint Source Pollution from Households." U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency. 21 Jan 1997. Internet.
"Myths About the Issues: Urban Stormwater Pollution" Natural Resources Defense
Council. 1997. Internet.
"Stormwater," Beachwatch. 1998. Internet. "Urban Stormwater: a resource too
valuable to waste" Environment Protection Group, Environment Australia. 16 July 1998.
Internet.
"What You Can Do To Prevent NPS Pollution." EPA, Office of Water. 1994.
Internet.
Watering
Camden Yards | Thorton Creek Watershed | Stormwater Management
The Cactus Playa | Living Unleaded
| Wildlife & Lead Poisoning
Last Updated: 02/16/03
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