Storm Water Education Materials

What is Storm water Pollution?

Stormwater is urban runoff water that has picked up pollutants as it flows through the storm drain system–a network of channels, gutters, and pipes that collect runoff from city streets, neighborhoods, farms, construction sites, and parking lots–and empties directly into local waterways.

Unlike sewage, which goes to treatment plants to remove toxins, urban runoff flows untreated through the storm drain system and directly into our local water bodies.

Anything thrown, swept or poured into the street, gutter, or a catch basin–the curbside openings that lead into the storm drain system–can flow into our channels, rivers, and eventually to the ocean. For more information on storm water and what you can do to be part of the solution, click here.