Storm water is water from rain or melting snow that does not soak into the ground. It flows from rooftops, over paved areas, bare soil, and through sloped lawns. As it flows, this runoff collects and transports soil, pet manure, salt, pesticides, fertilizer, oil and grease, leaves, litter and other potential pollutants. You don't need a heavy rainstorm to send pollutants rushing toward streams, wetlands, lakes and oceans. A garden hose alone can supply enough water.

Polluted storm water degrades our lakes, wetlands and rivers. Soil clouds water and degrades habitat for fish and water plants. Phosphorus and nitrogen promote the growth of algae, which crowds out aquatic life. Toxic chemicals, such as antifreeze and oil from leaking cars, carelessly applied pesticides, and zinc from galvanized metal gutters and downspouts, threaten the health of all aquatic life. Bacteria and parasites from pet manure can make nearby lakes and rivers unsafe for recreation. Storm water can also be a problem closer to home. It can flow into basements and cause damage that is costly to clean up.

Our Public Works Department is focusing pollution control efforts on storm water management in our area. Storm water pollution is not treated the same way as sanitary sewer water. Storm water is channelled directly from discharge pipes into our streams and rivers. Controlling Storm water pollution is very difficult because it comes from many sources. It is carried by storm water from every street, parking lot, sidewalk, driveway, yard and garden.