About Stormwater

Stormwater is the excess water from rain, snowmelt and irrigation that doesn’t absorb into the ground as surface runoff.

This type of pollution is significant because, unlike the water that goes down a sink or toilet in your home, stormwater is untreated and flows directly to a lake, river, or the ocean.

Stormwater comes from rain that hits the ground, and falls on roofs, driveways, walkways, roads and other surfaces that don’t absorb water. It’s also from snow and ice melt that drips off roofs, cars and vegetation, and then runs onto driveways, walkways and roads. Another source is from irrigation and over watering of vegetation that runs into streets.

This excess water flows into the storm drain inlets built into our roadways. Stormwater systems were originally intended to route rainwater quickly off the streets during a heavy storm. Drains carry water through a system of pipes, emptying into the nearest body of water.

Here are ways you can help prevent stormwater pollution:

• Properly dispose of trash and recycling. This includes cigarette butts, which are the number one littered item.
• Always secure vehicle loads to reduce debris and roadway hazards.
• Plan ahead when traveling with pets, their waste needs to be properly disposed.
• Keep your tires properly inflated to prevent wear and tear and reduce heavy metal pollution. Plus, you’ll get better gas mileage.
• Regularly maintain vehicles to prevent auto fluid leaks from dripping onto roadways.
• Wipe down tire wheel wells to remove brake dust. Copper metals found in brakes are a major pollutant.
• Keep your vehicle clean and use a car wash facility that recycles their water.
• Choose to use non-toxic products in your home’s outdoor spaces, and never apply them before wind or rain are in the forecast.

Why does stormwater matter?

On its journey to storm drain inlets, stormwater captures pollutants from highways, streets, sidewalks, and yards. Common pollutants can be chemicals from lawns and yards, pet waste, leaked auto fluids, cigarette butts, litter, trash and much more.

Polluted stormwater doesn’t go through wastewater treatment so it ends up directly deposited into waterways along with any contaminants that have accumulated.

Stormwater matters because it affects the quality of water used daily by humans, as well as wildlife in our local ecosystems.

How does stormwater impact me?

Stormwater directly impacts the quality of our waterways, neighborhoods, communities, and environment.

• Polluted stormwater is a significant source of overall water pollution in California.
• When polluted stormwater flows into our waterways, it greatly reduces the quality of water used for recreation, drinking, washing and fishing.
• Over 14.8 million vehicles are on the road in our state, which means there a lot contributors to litter, motor oil, heavy metals, and other auto fluids on our highways.
• Stormwater pollution can lead to unsanitary living conditions and neighborhood flooding during the rainy season.

Small actions can have a major impact on our waterways, let’s all work together to change our habits and prevent stormwater pollution.