Storm Water Pollution
Pollutants can cause harm

Sediments (dirt)                                                                                                      

• Reduces light penetration and affects photosynthesis, the process that allows plants to use light as their source of energy.
  
  
• Makes waterways cloudy and can suffocate fish by clogging their gills.

• Destroys aquatic habitats.                                                                         

• Can clog ditches, culverts and drainage pipes and create potential for flooding.   

Nutrients (fertilizers, yard waste) 

• Nutrients are compounds that stimulate plant growth, like nitrogen and phosphorus, nutrients are beneficial and necessary, but in high concentrations can become an environmental threat.

• Cause algae blooms, when the algae dies off, it sinks and decomposes in a process that removes oxygen, killing fish and plant life (Eutrophication)                      

Pathogens (human and animal waste) 

• Pathogens are disease-causing micro-organisms, such as bacteria and viruses, causing health problems to humans, wildlife and plant life.

Toxic contaminants (oils, grease, pesticides) 

• These substances can harm the health of aquatic life and/or human beings

• Many toxins are resistant to breakdown and tend to be passed through the food chain.

• Toxins are created by a wide variety of human practices and products, and include heavy metals, pesticides and organic compounds.                                                   

 Debris 

• Trash without a doubt is the simplest type of pollution to understand, it interferes with the enjoyment of our water resources.                                                                       

• Plastic bags, six pack rings, bottles, and cigarette butts washed into our water bodies can choke, suffocate, or disable aquatic life like birds, fish, and turtles.                                   

• When trash decays it can become an environmental concern.