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.
• Increased population density leads to increased development, which in turn means more stormwater. The quantity of stormwater entering our rivers, lakes, and streams as well as the pollutants it carries can degrade aquatic habitat and water quality.
• Precipitation runs off impervious surfaces such as roofs, roadways, sidewalks and lawns picking up oil, metals, salts, pet waste, fertilizer, grass clippings and other materials left on sidewalks and streets. 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. Storm drains cannot always manage the quality or intake of water, and sometimes heavy rainfall can cause unintentional sewage overflows and flooding.

• The stormwater runoff conveyed through storm sewers picks up large amounts of pollutants from impervious surfaces, which are ultimately carried downstream into local waterways including wetlands, ponds, streams, rivers and lakes.
• Stormwater surges cause erosion, streambank failures and increased sedimentation. The pollutants in stormwater lead to algal blooms, high bacteria counts and other water quality issues.
• This has 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.