Storm Water
When it rains or snow melts, the resulting "storm water" may be absorbed into the ground or it may "runoff" the land surface into a nearby lake, stream, or estuary. Storm water runoff from natural (vegetated) land is typically low since most rain or snow melt infiltrates into the ground or is lost to evaporation. Storm water runoff increases as the percentage of impervious surface cover (e.g., streets, parking lots, rooftops) increases since the land's ability to absorb water is restricted . In addition to washing pollutants (e.g., hydrocarbons, nutrients, bacteria) into our surface waters, improperly managed storm water runoff can result in soil erosion and flooding.
Can't find what you need? Try our A-Z Index.
EPA New England |
NPDES Storm Water Permit Program EPA and State Storm Water Contacts Storm Water Virtual Tradeshow: Center for Environmental Industry & Technology |
National EPA |
NPDES Storm Water Permit Program National Menu of Best Management Practices for Storm Water Phase II National Stormwater BMP Database Green Infrastructure |
General |