Stormwater Pollutants and Challenges

Leaves & debris 

When debris accumulates, it can inhibit the flow of stormwater runoff into gutters and storm drains. A backup in these systems could result in property damage due to flooding or structural damage.

Removal/disturbance of vegetation 

Streamside vegetation helps slow down erosion, traps sediment and pollutants from a variety of sources. Nearby trees provide shade to surface waters, keeping temperatures lower, which benefits native fish such as the Chinook and Coho salmon.

Hazardous household waste 

Household items such as motor oil, paints, batteries, electronics, solvents and cleaners commonly contain toxic chemicals that take many years to degrade. Even small quantities can negatively impact the aquatic environment when these items make it into storm drains and waterways.

Erosion & Sedimentation 

The processes of erosion and sedimentation slowly but constantly shape and alter our waterways. When left unaddressed, erosion can lead to property damage and destruction of public infrastructure such as storm drains, pipes and bridges. Sedimentation may lead to flooding, impair navigation, and decrease water quality.

Pesticides 

This broad category includes: herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, etc. Most of these products adversely impact other forms of life besides the targeted nuisance. Pesticides are commonly introduced to our waterways via runoff from rain and irrigation, once there they can accumulate and remain in stream sediments for many years.

Fertilizers & agricultural runoff 

When fertilizer runoff from lawn and agricultural use makes its way into the storm drains, this excess nutrients causes rapid growth in aquatic vegetation. As that vegetation dies and decomposes, it removes much of the oxygen in the water that fish, amphibians and invertebrates rely on to survive. In some cases, this leads to the death of aquatic life and uninhabitable “dead zones” in bodies of water.

Pet & livestock waste 

The greatest external source of bacteria, virus and parasites for our lakes and streams comes from pet and livestock waste. Dog waste has especially high concentrations of fecal coliform bacteria. On average, a single gram of dog waste contains 23 million fecal coliform organisms. As with humans, the pathogens found in this waste can greatly injure aquatic life as well.

Vehicle residuals 

Exposure to substances such as: motor oil, grease, and antifreeze can be very harmful to humans and wildlife alike. These chemicals are washed off roads and into our storm drains every time it rains, however the issue is exacerbated by leaky vehicles and pressure washing without taking proper precautions to trap contaminants.