How does stormwater get polluted?
As stormwater flows over the ground and into the nearest storm drain, it picks up fertilizers, motor oil, industrial chemicals, grass clippings, litter, pet waste, and anything else that might be in its path. The storm drain system then takes the water and pollutants straight into the nearest water body. Some people illegally dump trash, yard clippings, used cooking oil, motor oil, and other pollutants into storm drains, adding to the contamination. Anything that goes into a storm drain will eventually empty into the nearest creek, lake, or river; it does not go to a water treatment facility.

Show All Answers

1. What is a Watershed?
2. What is stormwater?
3. What is a storm drain?
4. How does stormwater get into our rivers and streams?
5. How does stormwater get polluted?
6. What are some examples of pollutants in stormwater?
7. What are the effects of these pollutants on our waters?
8. How is stormwater different from wastewater?
9. Do cities in North Central Texas treat stormwater?
10. What is illegal dumping?
11. Who can I contact to obtain more information about stormwater in my City?