The Lebanon Lantern The Lebanon Lantern Spring 2019 | Page 21

WHAT IS STORMWATER POLLUTION?
Water from rain and melting snow that flows over lawns, parking lots and streets
is known as stormwater runoff. This water, which travels along gutters, into
catch basins and through storm drain pipes and ditches, usually is not treated,
but then flows or is discharged into local water-bodies. Along the way, the
stormwater picks up trash (fast-food wrappers, cigarette butts, styrofoam
cups, etc.) and toxins and other pollutants (gas, motor oil, antifreeze,
fertilizers, pesti-cides and pet droppings). This
polluted stormwater can kill fish and other wildlife,
destroy wild-life habitat, contaminate drinking
water sources and force the closing of beaches
because of health threats to swimmers.
Human activity is largely responsible for the
stormwater pollution. Everything that we put on
the ground or into the storm drain can end up in
our water. Each of us has a responsibility to make
sure these contaminants stay out of our water.
Whether we have clean water is up to you.
When you’re washing your car in the driveway, remember you’re not just washing your
car in the driveway.