Stormwater Education

WHAT IS STORMWATER?

A watershed is an area of land that drains into a common body of water. The Clinton River watershed spans 760 square miles and is the most populated watershed in the state of Michigan with over 1.5 million people. The Clinton River drains into Lake St. Clair, which is the drinking water source for over 4 million people. Stormwater runoff is the greatest source of water quality impairments in the Clinton River, its watershed, and Lake St. Clair.

When precipitation such as rainfall and snowmelt pass over impervious surfaces such as roofs, sidewalks, parking lots, roads, and turf grass, it becomes what is known as stormwater runoff. Stormwater runoff picks up pollutants such as oils, metals, salts, pet waste, fertilizer, grass clippings, and other materials that sit on these impervious surfaces. This stormwater runoff ultimately flows into storm drains and the storm sewer system.  

Storm drains and storm sewer systems are installed in urbanized areas to convey stormwater in order to prevent flooding. Increased population density leads to increased development, which in turn means more stormwater. The quantity of stormwater is also a concern, with storm surges often causing heavy bank erosion, flooding, and sometimes sewage overflows.

The pollutants that stormwater picks up are ultimately carried downstream into local waterways including wetlands, ponds, streams, rivers, and lakes. The pollutants in stormwater lead to algal blooms, high bacteria counts, and other water quality issues. Stormwater surges cause erosion, streambank failures, and increased sedimentation. Both of these inputs have a detrimental impact on our unique ecological systems including habitat for wildlife and fish, public health, and the natural beauty of our lakes, rivers, and streams.

Through stormwater education, public awareness, and environmental regulations there are positive changes taking place with residents, businesses, and municipalities who are taking action to improve and preserve our natural resources.