Stormwater
Synonyms: Runoff, Storm Water, Stormwater Runoff
Image courtesy: Chesapeake Bay Program
Stormwater is rainfall, snowmelt, or irrigation water that runs off hard surfaces and across land or into pipes and flows into streams and local waterways. This runoff essentially “rinses off” the landscapes where it falls and can carry pollution that impacts stream quality and can increase flooding. In nature, water is usually absorbed into soil, soaked up by plants, and cleaned before entering waterways or recharging groundwater.
Stormwater runoff is often referred to as the major contributor to water quality degradation in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed and many other nearby regions. Where ever rain falls, there is stormwater. Explore this website to learn about how you can help reduce negative impacts of stormwater!
