Stormwater, also referred to as runoff, surface water, or wet weather flow, is rain or snow that falls on streets, parking areas, driveways, rooftops, terraces, and other impervious surfaces. Stormwater then flows directly into nearby waterways or through drainage systems such as curbs, gutters, inlets, ditches, pipes, storm sewers or detention ponds before being discharged directly into Richland Creek and its tributaries. As stormwater runs across surfaces, it picks up pollutants or contaminants such as litter, debris, oils and antifreeze from cars, soil, pet waste, fertilizers, etc. As it picks up these contaminants, it becomes polluted runoff – the largest source of pollution in our waterways. Unlike our wastewater collection and treatment systems, stormwater receives no treatment before it is released into the environment.
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