7.1: Stormwater Runoff Management
- Page ID
- 42729
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Urban stormwater runoff contains pollutants from roads, parking lots, construction sites, industrial storage yards, and lawns. Storm sewers make up an underground collection system to direct water away from homes, businesses, and roads. Storm sewers can discharge into stream beds, rivers, or lakes.
Many types of pollution can be found in urban stormwater, and this pollution can affect local streams and lakes. Contaminated stormwater is the most significant contributor of pollutants to Wisconsin's urban waters, affecting fish, wildlife, native vegetation, and drinking water sources.
- Garbage
- Oil and grease
- Gasoline
- Sediment from construction sites and urban runoff
- Metal flakes from rusting vehicles and brakes
- Road salt
- Lawn pesticides
- Agricultural herbicides
- Heavy metals from roof shingles
- Pet waste
- Leaves
- Grass clippings
- Bacteria
- Nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen
- Illicit discharges such as paint, cleaning solution products, and used motor oil.
Regulation
Directed by the Clean Water Act, the Wisconsin DNR developed the Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (WPDES) Storm Water Discharge Permit Program. This program regulates stormwater from:
- Construction sites
- Industrial facilities
- Municipal storm sewers
Municipal Storm Sewers
Municipal storm sewers in Wisconsin are required to provide information and education to the public, create and enforce local ordinances, and control total suspended solids (TSS).
Citizens can reduce the water volume to the storm sewer system in several ways:
- Diverting roof runoff
- Maintaining a healthy lawn
- Considering porous pavement or pavers for driveways and patios
- Building rain gardens
Many citizens do not consider the storm sewer when performing everyday activities. Washing a car in the driveway can introduce soaps and detergents into the system. Draining a pool can send chlorine into natural waterways. Citizens can reduce pollution to the storm sewer system in several ways:
- Cleaning up pet waste
- Keep leaves and yard waste out of the street
- Avoid overuse of pesticides and fertilizers
- Limit sidewalk and driveway salt
- Clean up chemical spills on hard surfaces