Stormwater

The National Research Council has noted that stormwater runoff from the built environment remains one of the great challenges of modern water pollution control, as this source of contamination is a principal contributor to water quality impairment of waterbodies nationwide...[and] the magnitude of the stormwater problem is only expected to grow.

What is Stormwater?

Stormwater, as defined by Clean Water Act regulations, is “stormwater runoff, snowmelt runoff, and surface runoff and drainage,” or precipitation that runs off streets, lawns and other land surfaces.

Stormwater runoff is considered a nonpoint source pollutant because it comes from many diffuse sources. Population growth resulting in rapid development is a primary threat to watersheds with an increase in impervious surfaces such as building roofs, sidewalks, and parking lots. Instead of stormwater slowly and naturally soaking into the ground and eventually filling streams and lakes, impenetrable surfaces cause water to rush too quickly back into the water bodies.

Highlighted are all of the impervious surfaces

the impacts of stormwater runoff

Storm Drain

Thermal Pollution

Thermal changes can take place when stormwater enters into water bodies. Impervious surfaces absorb and emit heat, so when water runs across it on a hot day, changes the temperature of the surface runoff. When the water reaches the rivers and streams, small changes in temperature can affect the aquatic plants and wildlife.

ecoli-bacteria-ed

Bacteria Pollution

Increase in pollutants washing into water bodies without being filtered through the ground. Stormwater picks up oil, dirt, harmful bacteria/ pathogens and pollutants and carries it into drains or directly into surface water.

Excessive algal growth along shoreline

Nutrient Pollution

Runoff can pick up excess nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus from agriculture, causing increased algal growth. As a result, the decomposition process can reduce oxygen levels in the water- creating a deadly habitat for aquatic animals.

Bank-Erosioned

Erosion

Flooding and erosion of stream banks occurs when a torrent of water rushes into the water bodies. This is caused by a lack of vegetation and an increase in impermeable surfaces.

Construction-Site-Runoffed

Sediment Pollution

Vegetation can be destroyed, therefore destroying aquatic habitat for wildlife. Increased sediment can also cloud the water, not allowing enough light for aquatic plants to grow properly.

Debris-Cleanup-in-Harpeth

Trash

Runoff can carry large debris such as trash, especially plastic, which is harmful to fish and other aquatic animals.

How to reduce stormwater impacts

There are ways to help prevent storm water runoff from causing problems in urban areas.

Green roofs create a living landscape that would otherwise be occupied by roof area. They retain rainwater, allowing the plants to soak it up through the substrate or so that it can slowly evaporate or transpire back into the atmosphere. Read more on green roofs here.

Rain barrels collect water from your roof through gutters and into mosquito-proof containers to be used for watering lawns/gardens. Read more on rain barrels here

Retention-Basined

Retention/detention basins collect/store rainwater and slow runoff. They filter out large sediment and debris before being dispersed into stormwater drainage systems. Retention ponds have higher outflow point or drainage orifice, maintaining a permanent pool of water. Detention ponds have a lower orifice, allowing them to be completely dry or empty at times. Detention ponds are generally used to storm rainwater after a storm to prevent flooding.

Riparian Buffer(ed)

Riparian zones/buffers are vegetated areas separating upland areas from aquatic habitat help control. The zones create a buffer between human activity and rivers/streams, slowing down runoff and protecting water quality (Riparian Buffers). They act as natural filters to reduce pollutants and sediments from entering a water body. 

Permeable pavements/sidewalks can be made by a series of pavers, or with pervious concrete which captures water and allows it so slowly seep into the ground. 

Bioretention areas (rain gardens) are shallow excavated or natural depressions designed to divert, filter and store stormwater. Read more on rain gardens here.

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