Stormwater Info

What is Storm Water Runoff?

Storm water runoff is rain and melting snow that flows off building rooftops, driveways, lawns, streets, parking lots, construction sites, and industrial storage yards. Developed areas are covered by buildings and pavement which do not allow water to soak into the ground. Storm sewers are used to collect large amounts of runoff from streets and parking lots. But where does this water go?

What’s In Storm Water Runoff?

Pollutants on the streets and parking lots get washed away with the storm water runoff into waterways. Here are some of the types of pollutants in storm water runoff.

Garbage
Oil and grease
Gasoline
Sediment from construction sites and urban runoff
Metal flakes from rusting vehicles and brakes
Road salt
Lawn pesticides
Agricultural herbicides
Heavy metals from roof shingles
Pet waste
Leaves
Grass clippings
Bacteria
Nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen
Other chemicals
Illicit discharges such as paints, cleaning solution products and used motor oil.

Storm water is not clean and it can pollute our streams and lakes. Contaminated storm water is the largest contributor of pollutants to Wisconsin’s urban waters today. These types of pollutants can harm fish and wildlife populations, kill native vegetation, foul drinking water supplies, and make recreational areas unsafe and unpleasant.

Please see the list of brochures below to obtain more information on Storm Water and its effect on the environment:

Guide to Environmentally Sound Ownership

Lawn & Garden Fertilizers

Lawn & Garden Pesticides

Lawn Weed Control

Wetlands

Pet Waste & Water Quality

The Importance of Cleaning Up After Your Pet

Rethinking Yard Care

Storm Sewers- The Rivers Beneath Our Feet

Standard Erosion Control Plan

You can also find helpful information at here.