Stormwater runoff is rain that falls on streets, parking areas,
sports fields, gravel lots, rooftops or other developed land
and flows directly into nearby creeks and rivers. Rain picks up and mixes with substances on the ground such as:
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oil and grease
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metals
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coolants from vehicles
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fertilizers and pesticides from gardens
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bacteria from pet wastes and failing septic systems
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soil from construction sites and other bare ground
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soaps from car or equipment washing
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leaky storage containers
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tobacco spit, cigarette butts etc.
Stormwater
What and Why
The most effective way to reduce stormwater pollution is to stop it from getting in there in the first place!
The water that runs off the roads, your roof, footpath, and driveway are the beginning of the stormwater system, picking up polluted runoff as it goes.
The polluted runoff rushes into nearby gutters and storm drains where it flows through a system of underground pipes and channels. From there, the untreated water empties into your local streams, rivers, and lakes on its path towards the oceans.
Local Issues and
Municipal Mandates
Here are some common pollutants found in stormwater runoff:
Litter- such as cigarette butts, cans, bottles, paper or plastic bags
Sediment- usually from soil erosion
Nutrient load- originating from animal waste, fertilizers, agricultural runoff, & natural decomposition
Bacteria- often from pet waste, septic systems, & agricultural runoff
Chemicals- such as oil, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, & heavy metals
For more information on municipal programs, click on the links below:
You may also qualify for residential stormwater credits if you live in the City of Roanoke! Visit here for more info!
