What is stormwater?
Stormwater runoff is the water generated when rain, snow melt, and surface drainage flows over streets, parking lots, sidewalks, and rooftops. The stormwater doesn't absorb into the ground.
Where does stormwater go?
As stormwater runoff flows over land and hard surfaces, it picks up sediment, contaminants, litter, nutrients, and other pollutants, which then discharge into the waterways, untreated. Unmanaged stormwater affects Merriam's waterways by causing water pollution, streambank erosion, and flooding issues.
What can I do to help reduce stormwater runoff?
You can capture rain water where it lands and slow down the stormwater through stormwater treatment facilities (STFs). The pollutants and sediment have a chance to settle out rather than go into Merriam's waterways. These STFs include rain barrels, rain gardens, native trees, and other native plantings. These facilities can help improve the quality of water that flows to creeks, streams, and into our rivers.