Troubled Waters
begins with disturbed land. Ground in Iowa, once covered with rich topsoil and deep rooted vegetation is quickly being replaced
with streets,
driveways, roofs, parking lots and compacted lawns. When it rains these urbanized landscapes
generate excess water, called runoff, that picks up speed and pollutants
as it travels over the "hard," impervious surfaces. This directly effects
stream bank integrity and water quality that requires
concerned citizen
involvement for restoration and protection.
Isn't Runoff Treated?
There
is a common misconception about the municipal storm drain system.
There are two underground pipe systems that carry water away. The first is the
sanitary sewer for waste water that is sent to a treatment facility, cleaned to
meet strict EPA standards and released back to the water supply system.
The second is the storm drain that collects runoff and sends it directly to
receiving waters without being treated.
Thus, storm drains carry large amounts of pollution away from urbanized areas
Pollutants of
Concern
Street litter, fertilizers,
pesticides, herbicides, pet and yard waste, motor oil, anti-freeze, household
hazardous wastes, and paint are just a few of the pollutants that find their way
into storm drains. This water travels from storm drains into local streams,
ponds, and lakes, and ultimately into rivers. Because storm drains can be
a major source of pollution to our waterways, it is important to keep polluting
materials out of them.
Taking
Action
Reporting A Problem
If you have any questions
/ comments
please contact:
Pat Sauer, Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities (IAMU)
800-810-4268
or psauer@iamu.org
