| Q. What is stormwater runoff?
A. Stormwater runoff is the rain that flows off streets, parking lots, rooftops and lawns. Stormwater is collected by storm drains and drainage swales and flows into the nearest stream, river, or lake.
Q. What is the problem with stormwater runoff pollution anyway?
A. Stormwater runoff picks up pollutants and debris as it flows across rooftops and lawns, streets and parking lots. When it rains, pollutants wash directly into our streams, rivers and lakes. Some of these pollutants include oil and grease, harmful bacteria, fertilizers, toxic chemicals and other contaminants that are harmful to both people and aquatic life. A common misconception is that water running off streets and into a storm drain goes to a wastewater treatment plant. It does not. In fact, stormwater typically receives no treatment.
Q. What is the source of all these pollutants?
A. We all are! The fact is that all of us are part of the stormwater pollution problem. Many of the things that we do every day -- taking care of our lawns, driving our cars, washing our vehicles and walking our pets -- contribute to the stormwater pollution. Businesses also contribute to stormwater pollution. Since we are all part of the problem, we all need to be part of the "solution to stormwater pollution."
Q. Isn't new development in metro Atlanta the cause of all these problems?
A. Though there are some problems associated with sediment from construction sites in the Atlanta area, many of our current water quality problems are caused by runoff from older, developed areas. We can't solve our problems unless we work together to address the impact of all types of stormwater pollution.
Q. How can we solve the problem?
A. Take action to keep soapy water, chemicals, motor oil, yard wastes, trash and other pollutants out of storm drains. Adopt best management practices at your place of business. Learn about the effects of stormwater pollution. Know where the storm drains in your neighborhood go. Support the efforts of your local government to address the problems of storm water runoff in the community. Support the work of the Clean Water Campaign. When all of us begin to take action, the water quality of the region's streams, rivers and lakes will improve. |
