Introduction to STORMWATER

Polluted water coming from the land has a profound affect on the marine environment particularly in the coastal zone.

When it rains the run-off water picks up and transports all kinds of suspended matter and litter. The water becomes increasing polluted as it moves with increasing speed into receiving waters; creeks, rivers, lakes and sooner or later to the ocean.

Nutrients:
- Garden fertilizer
- Carwash detergent
- Grass clippings

Poisons (toxicants)
- Paint and turpentine

Sediments
- Sand and gravel
- Plaster
- Cement

Stormwater drains provide ‘fast transit’ for runoff, often gathering so much pollution that nature can’t process it easily. It might be interesting to investigate some of the things that happen.