Stormwater and the Homeowner

Everyone contributes to stormwater pollution problems - everyone must be part of the solution.

All real property experiences stormwater run-on and runoff regardless if a drainage concern exists on that specific piece of property or not. Even if your property has never flooded, the stormwater that flows off your property must be managed so that it does not contribute to flooding or pollution in areas downstream. Whether you live in a condominium, a suburban home or in an urban setting, stormwater is an issue.  

The Basics: When you take a shower or a bath, all the dirty water goes down the drain, through sewer pipes to a wastewater treatment plant. Here, the dirty bath water is cleaned and filtered before it is returned to the environment. Rain is like a shower or bath for all things outdoors. All the dirt, grime, grease, oil and waste that is on our buildings, in our yards, on the streets, driveways and parking lots is washed away down a storm drain. Only the storm drain doesn't take the dirty water to the wastewater treatment plant for cleaning. Instead it flows directly into our streams, lakes and rivers. All of this dirt, grime, and yuck is polluting our water.  Take a look at some stormwater problems that may be around your home, school, or neighborhood.

Impacts of Stormwater Runoff: The most dramatic consequence of stormwater runoff may be flooding and the damage it brings. Stormwater runoff is channeled directly to streams or rivers that cannot handle the additional fast flow of water. The stormwater runoff becomes floodwater when it overtops the stream banks and floods streets, businesses and homes.  

Flooding is not the only impact! Stormwater runoff results in: stream, lake and river impairment, waterbodies with high levels of fecal bacteria from farm animal and pet waste, of which e coli is a type, and it contributes to cultural eutrophication. Water is classified as eutrophic when there is excess nutrients (like fertilizer) in the water. These nutrients result in algae growth, as well as other unwanted aquatic plant growth. The water becomes biologically productive, which means bacteria can grow and thrive - robbing the water of oxygen - and results in fish kills and destruction of natural habitat. All lakes will naturally become eutrophic over time... ...where time is measured in hundreds or thousands of years.

We have have newly instituted Education and Outreach opportunities avaliable to your Homeowners Association, Civic Group and School!  Contact Kaylene Wheelerat 321-953-8996 to set up your stormwater session today!

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