What is Stormwater?
Below are four different descriptions of the term "Stormwater." Each of the descriptions begins with natural precipitation, then branches out into different issues and challenges… it's when water contacts the ground that makes the difference…
Items listed below each of the four descriptions may offer an additional stormwater related link.
Managing Surface Flows
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Water from rain or melting snow. Many communities are concerned about the management of stormwater in developed areas because the amount of impervious surface has increased, thus reducing the area where rain water may naturally infiltrate the soil.
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Pollution & Run-Off
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Rain, which runs off roads, yards and roofs and down gutters into stormwater grates. Stormwater picks up silt and other contaminants as it runs over these surfaces. It is piped/runs untreated into creeks and streams.
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Rain/Storm Events
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Water that is generated by rainfall and is often routed into drain systems in urban areas to alleviate flooding and erosion.
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The Path of Stormwater
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That portion of precipitation that does not naturally percolate into the ground or evaporate, but flows via overland flow, interflow, channels or pipes into a defined surface water channel or a constructed infiltration facility.
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Related Links:
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