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What Is Stormwater?

What is Stormwater and Stormwater Management?

Stormwater is water from rain or melting snow that doesn't soak into the ground but runs off into waterways. It flows from rooftops, over paved areas and bare soil, and through sloped lawns while picking up a variety of materials on its way. As it flows, storm water runoff collects and transports soil, animal waste, salt, pesticides, fertilizers, oil and grease, debris and other potential pollutants. The quality of runoff is affected by a variety of factors and depends on the season, local meteorology, geography and upon activities which lie in the path of the flow

Why should I Care? 

Stormwater gathers a variety of pollutants that are mobilized during runoff events. Polluted runoff degrades our lakes, rivers, wetland and other waterways runoff. Transported soil clouds the waterway and interferes with the habitat of fish and plant life.
Nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen can promote the overgrowth of algae, deplete oxygen in the waterway and be harmful to other aquatic life. Toxic chemicals from automobiles, sediment from construction activities and careless application of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers threaten the health of the receiving waterway and can kill fish and other aquatic life. Bacteria from animal wastes and illicit connections to sewerage systems can make nearby lakes and bays unsafe for wading, swimming and the propagation of edible shellfish. According to an inventory conducted by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), half of the impaired waterways are affected by urban/suburban and construction sources of storm water runoff.
Pollutants in urban runoff
  • sediment
  • thermal energy
  • nutrients
  • oxygen-demanding substances
  • toxic substances
  • pathogens
The Solution to Stormwater Pollution
There are many ways you can help:
  • never dump anything into a storm drain
  • test the soil in your lawn and use fertilizers only when needed
  • practice Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and reduce the use of pesticides
  • check you car for leaks and recycle motor oil at a service station
  • take your car to the car wash instead instead of washing it in the driveway
  • clean up pet waste and dispose of it in the trash
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Chemung County Stormwater Coalition 

851 Chemung Street 
Horseheads, NY 14845

​607-796-2216
© COPYRIGHT 2015. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • Home
  • Our Story
  • What Is Stormwater
  • Stormwater Management Plan
  • MS4 Coalition Members
  • Non MS4 Municipalities
  • Stormwater Education
  • MS4 Annual Report
  • Construction Information
    • SWPPP Information
    • Chemung Stormwater Projects
  • Homeowner Information
    • Rain Garden
    • Rain Barrel
  • Compost Program
    • Compost Options
  • Partners
  • Chemung County Water Quality Strategy Committee
    • Stream Sampling
  • Rural Stormwater Coalition
    • Rural Stormwater Documents
  • Resources
  • Contact Us
  • Upcoming Events!
  • Stormwater Team Meetings