Storm water runoff

Definition

Storm water runoff refers to the flow of excess rainwater, melted snow, or irrigation that cannot be absorbed by the ground and instead flows over surfaces like roads, parking lots, and rooftops. This runoff can carry pollutants into nearby water bodies, impacting both water quality and aquatic ecosystems. Proper management of storm water runoff is crucial in urban planning and environmental protection.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Storm water runoff is a significant source of pollution in urban areas, leading to contamination of rivers, lakes, and coastal waters.
2. Effective storm water management systems include retention basins, green roofs, and permeable pavements that help reduce runoff volumes.
3. The Clean Water Act regulates the discharge of pollutants into U.S. waters and has provisions aimed at managing storm water runoff.
4. Increased urbanization leads to more impervious surfaces, which exacerbates storm water runoff and increases flood risks.
5. Public education on the importance of reducing pollutants in storm water runoff is vital for community involvement in environmental protection efforts.

Review Questions

• How does the presence of impervious surfaces affect storm water runoff in urban areas?
  • Impervious surfaces significantly increase storm water runoff because they prevent rainwater from being absorbed into the ground. As a result, more water flows over these surfaces and enters drainage systems directly. This can lead to higher peak flows in local waterways during storms, increasing the risk of flooding and causing erosion. Moreover, these surfaces often collect pollutants that are washed away during rainfall, further degrading water quality.
• Discuss the role of Best Management Practices (BMPs) in mitigating the negative effects of storm water runoff.
  • Best Management Practices (BMPs) play a critical role in controlling storm water runoff by employing various techniques designed to reduce the volume and improve the quality of runoff. These practices include installing green infrastructure such as rain gardens, bioswales, and retention ponds that capture and filter storm water before it reaches natural waterways. By implementing BMPs, communities can minimize pollution from runoff and enhance local hydrology, ultimately protecting aquatic ecosystems and public health.
• Evaluate the impact of storm water runoff on pollutant loading in urban environments and propose strategies for improvement.
  • Storm water runoff significantly contributes to pollutant loading in urban environments by transporting contaminants like oils, heavy metals, and debris into waterways. To address this issue effectively, cities can adopt a multi-faceted approach that includes enhancing green infrastructure to absorb and filter runoff, implementing stricter regulations on construction sites to minimize erosion and sedimentation, and promoting public education campaigns to raise awareness about reducing pollutant contributions. By focusing on these strategies, urban areas can improve water quality and mitigate environmental damage associated with storm water runoff.

Related terms

Impervious Surfaces:

Surfaces that do not allow water to permeate, such as asphalt and concrete, which contribute to increased storm water runoff.

Best Management Practices (BMPs): Techniques or practices used to manage storm water runoff effectively, minimizing its impact on the environment.

Pollutant Loading: The introduction of contaminants into water bodies due to storm water runoff, affecting water quality and aquatic life.