The Basics

What is stormwater?

Stormwater is the rainfall that flows over our yards, streets, parking lots and buildings and either enters the stormdrain system or runs directly into a lake or stream. Stormwater flow is part of the natural water cycle (Slide 1) but when rain falls in urban areas, the natural cycle is modified by man-made structures.  Parking lots, streets and rooftops form an impervious layer which prevents the water from percolating back to the water table.  This is depicted in the urban water cycle (Slide 2).

How does stormwater get polluted?

As stormwater flows over our lawns, driveways and parking lots, it picks up fertilizers, oil, chemicals, grass clippings, litter, pet waste, and anything else in its path to the stormsewer (Slide 3).  The stormsewer system then transports these pollutants, now in the water, to local lakes and streams, and eventually TampaBay or the Gulf of Mexico. Anything that goes into a stormdrain or the road eventually ends up in our waters. Polluted stormwater can also affect drinking water sources. This, in turn, can affect human health and increase drinking water treatment costs.

What is a stormdrain?

Stormdrains (Slide 4) are the openings you see along curbs and in streets and parking lots. They carry away rainwater and transport it through the drainage system to nearby ponds, lakes and streams, and ultimately to TampaBay or the Gulf of Mexico. Water and other debris that enter stormdrains do not go to a treatment facility.

What is a sanitary sewer?

A sanitary sewer takes household water and waste from toilets, sinks and showers, and transports it to a wastewater treatment facility. There, the water is treated and can be reused for reclaimed water. Here in Florida, the sanitary sewers are separate from stormsewers.

The Law

According to Federal, State and Local regulations, no pollutants can be allowed to enter the surface waters, the drainage system, or even be disposed of in the roadways as roads also lead to stormdrains.  The rule of thumb is, if it isn’t clean water, it shouldn’t make it to the stormdrain, street, or into any water body.

Examples of Pollutants:

Sediment can cloud the water and make it difficult or impossible for aquatic plants to grown. Sediment also can destroy aquatic habitats.  Principal sources: construction (dirt, gravel, grout, cement, etc).

Excess nutrients can cause algae blooms. When algae die, they sink to the bottom and decompose in a process that removes oxygen from the water. Fish and other aquatic organisms can't exist in water with low dissolved oxygen levels.  Principal sources: Fertilizers, yard debris, pet waste from residential areas, agricultural runoff.
 
Bacteria and other pathogens can wash into swimming areas and create health hazards, often making beach closures necessary.  Principal sources: pet waste.
 
Trash & Debris - plastic bags, six-pack rings, bottles, and cigarette butts - washed into waterbodies can choke, suffocate, or disable aquatic life like ducks, fish, turtles, and birds.
 
Hazardous waste like insecticides, pesticides, paint, solvents, used motor oil, and other auto fluids can poison aquatic life. Land animals and people can become sick from eating diseased fish and shellfish or ingesting polluted water. Potential sources: residential, commercial or industrial dumping or runoff; automotive leaks.

Exceptions to the rule:

Discharges from potable water sources, firefighting waters, non-chlorinated pool discharges (though we recommend using the water to water your lawn; it saves money and water).

Illicit connections:

No connection can be made to the stormsewer system to drain pools, plumbing, septic tanks, washing machines, water softeners, etc.  If you think you might have a potential illicit connection on your property, please contact your local stormwater department who will help you determine if the connection is legal.

Any illicit discharge or connection is punishable by fines of up to $10,000 per day.

Fines range in amount based on the severity of the violation.

What you can do.

• Learn more about stormwater by viewing the "After the Storm" video using the link provided on this page;
• Report illegal stormwater pollution by using the "Report Pollution" form provided on this page;
• Check out relevant information using the "Stormwater Digital Library" link provided on this page;
• Become a Stormwater Detective and report suspicious or mysterious observations with photographs using the Stormwater Detective form provided on this page;
• Tell others about this educational resource.