You and storm water: A major source of pollution

via McClatchy Newspapers; By Terri Bennett


How would you feel if you knew that you and your neighbors are the biggest source of water pollution in the U.S.? Well, it's true.
It's generally not intentional, but each day we all do things that add up to one big problem.

Storm water runoff is just what it sounds like: water from rain or snowmelt that flows over the ground. Impervious surfaces like driveways, streets and parking lots prevent storm water from being absorbed into the ground, contributing to the flow of runoff.

Storm water flows downhill to the nearest storm drain. What most people don't understand is that anything that enters a storm drain flows untreated into a nearby creek, river or lake. These rivers and lakes are the source of drinking water to 85 percent of Americans and a valued resource for swimming, boating or fishing for all of us.

FOR FULL ARTICLE GO HERE: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/homegarden/2011528718_drains.html