Did You Know…
Polluted storm water runoff is a leading cause of impairment to unhealthy US waterways– by nearly 40%
WHAT IS STORM WATER?
DO YOU KNOW?
Storm Water runoff occurs when precipitation from rain or melting snow flows over the ground . Impervious surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, streets and rooftops prevent storm water from naturally soaking into the ground. To manage this, communities have storm sewers that help to carry storm water away from homes and business.
WHAT’S HAPPENING?
Communities around the country are taking action to improve pollution controls. Some activities include:
- Include public awareness and involvement.
- Eliminating illegal connections and discharges to the storm sewer system.
- Increasing sediment controls at construction sites.
- Requiring controls in new developments to remove pollutants from storm water.
- Improving pollution prevention from community facilities, such as maintenance garages, equipment areas and work areas.
UNDERSTANDING STORM WATER
To find out more, visit: Environmental Protection Agency
www.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater
www.epa/gov/owow/nps
For kids: www.epa.ov/owow/nps/kids/
Kentucky: water.nr.state.ky.us/kpdes/storm.htm#MS4
Transportation.ky.gov/envanalysis