Stormwater is rain and snow melt that runs off surfaces
such as rooftops, paved streets, highways, and parking lots. As water runs off
these surfaces, it can pick up pollution such as: oil, fertilizers, pesticides,
soil, trash, and animal waste. From here, the water might flow directly into a local
stream, bay, or lake. Or, it may go into a storm drain and continue through storm
pipes until it is released untreated into a local waterway.
Why is Stormwater a Problem in Washington?
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Human Health: In general, untreated stormwater is unsafe. It
can contain toxic metals, organic compounds, bacteria, and viruses. Untreated stormwater is not safe for people to drink and is not recommended for swimming.
Polluted stormwater can lead to beach closures for swimming and
shellfish harvesting. It can also trigger toxic algal blooms. |
Photo by Brian Walsh |
Drinking Water: In some areas of Washington, notably Spokane County, and parts of Pierce and Clark counties, gravelly soils allow rapid infiltration of stormwater. Untreated stormwater discharging to the ground could contaminate aquifers that are used for drinking water.
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Degraded Water Quality: Virtually all of our urban creeks, streams, and rivers are harmed by stormwater
pollution. Stormwater is the leading contributor to water quality pollution of urban waterways in Washington.
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Impaired Habitat: In Washington, urban stormwater harms
and pollutes streams that provide habitat for fish and wildlife. Alterations to the watershed, such as building homes and other structures and clearing away trees and shrubs, are the leading causes for stormwater pollution.
Federal agencies identified habitat loss from stormwater runoff as
one of the primary obstacles to salmon recovery.
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Return to Top
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 Control
of Toxic Chemicals in Puget SoundEcology's
Environment Education Guide: Protecting Washington's Waters
from Stormwater Pollution
How Is Stormwater Regulated?
Secondary Permittees:
Does my district / facility need a permit?
Municipal Stormwater Permits
Resources
Maps of Permit Coverage
For Municipalities
Technical Assistance
Resources, Training & Guidance
Contact Us
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