Stormwater according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is rainwater or melted snow that runs off streets, lawns, and other sites. 

The figure to the right shows the various paths precipitation can take if it does not soak into the ground either due to impervious surfaces or the soil’s inability to take in anymore water. In  a natural setting the water would infiltrate into the soil to eventually reach and recharge the aquifer or enter nearby surface water bodies such as rivers and lakes. As the water moves through the soil many of the pollutants are naturally filtered out before reaching their final location. 

However, in more developed areas many surfaces are impervious, unable to allow fluids through, such as driveways, streets, sidewalks, and buildings. As the water flows over the surfaces it picks up pollutants, which ends up in local waterbodies without a chance to be filtered by soil, plants, or a water treatment facility. Stormwater runoff is often made worse by human activities such as fertilizing, pet waste, and yard waste which can increase the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus in the pollutants. 

How can you help to keep our waterways clean?

Use Proper Fertilizer Application

1.  Apply fertilizers only when necessary and at the recommended amount. You can get a soil test to determine what nutrients and micronutrients your yard actually needs. 

2. Avoid applying fertilizer close to waterbodies. 

3. Do not apply fertilizer right before a large rain or wind event. 

4. Apply fertilizer in the Spring and Fall which is when the maximum uptake and growth is for plants.

If you are on a septic system, keep up with the maintenance of the system.

Pick up after your pets and keep them out of waterbodies such as lakes and streams. Scoop your dogs waste and properly dispose of it. Keep livestock out of streams through the use of fencing systems. Use a designated covered area to compost manure to prevent runoff into nearby waterbodies. 

Decrease the number of impervious surfaces on your property such as driveways, patios, and roofs. Increasing the amount of vegetated land cover on your land to aide in the filtration of excess water into the soil will also help. 

Reduce the amount of roof runoff by directing your downspouts to vegetated areas rather than directly to the street.