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1. What is stormwater runoff?

Stormwater runoff is the water that flows off roofs, driveways, sidewalks, parking lots, streets and other impervious surfaces during rainstorms and when snow melts. Instead of being absorbed into the ground, it flows into ditches, culverts, detention ponds, and storm drains. Stormwater runoff then collects and dissolves harmful pollutants carrying them into the creeks and streams. Since stormwater runoff does not receive any treatment before entering the creeks and streams, it poses a threat to humans, wildlife, and water quality.

2. Why are the stormwater and sanitary systems separate?

It is impossible to predict when and how much it will rain. Due to unpredictable nature of stormwater, it is allowed to flow directly into our cities ponds, creeks, and lakes. Treatment for stormwater is also very expensive. Unlike stormwater, wastewater is continuously flowing and requires treatment before it is released back into the environment.

3. What is non-point source pollution?

Non-point source pollution (NPS) is water pollution that is difficult to trace to a specific discharge point. Because it comes from many diverse sources, it is hard to control. Examples of common nonpoint source pollutants include fertilizers, pesticides, sediments, oils, salts, trace metals and litter. They come from farms, yards, roofs, construction sites, businesses, automobiles and streets. Nonpoint source pollution can be contrasted with point source pollution, where discharges occur to a body of water at a single location, such as discharges from a chemical factory, urban runoff from a roadway storm drain or from ships at sea.

4. What can residents do to help improve stormwater quality?

Pick up after your pets and properly dispose of their waste in the trash. Never pour pesticides, household paints, chemicals and motor oil on the ground or down a storm drain or in a roadside ditch. Take household hazardous waste products to our hazardous waste facility. Don't over water or over fertilize your lawn. Use natural products when possible. Wash your vehicle on your lawn instead of your driveway or street.

5. What is impervious surface?

“Impervious surface” as defined as any hard-surfaced area that prevents or retards the entry of water into the soil. This causes water to run off the surface in greater quantities or at an increased rate of flow than was present under natural conditions such as roof tops, asphalt or concrete sidewalks, paving, driveways, parking lots, walkways, patio areas, storage areas, gravel, bituminous substances, or other surfaces which similarly affect the natural infiltration or runoff patterns of land property in its natural state.

6. What is a MS4?

“MS4” is an acronym for Municipal Storm Sewer System. MS4’s are systems of conveyances (including roads with drainage systems, municipal streets, catch basins, curbs, gutters, ditches, man-made channels or storm drains) owned or regulated by the city and designed or used for collecting or conveying stormwater.

7. What is an illicit discharge?

Illicit discharge means any intentional discharge to the municipal storm sewer system that is not composed entirely of stormwater, except discharges pursuant to any National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, or discharges resulting from fire fighting activities. Examples of illicit discharges are overflowing sanitary sewers, draining a swimming pool into the street, or dumping used motor oil into a storm drain.