Urban Stormwater Runoff: A Significant Source of Beachwater Pollution

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Photograph: © SAF — Coastal Care

Excerpts;

Storm Water Runoff: What it Is wrong:
When rain falls or snow melts, it can’t just lie there forever. Eventually, it has to go somewhere. Under ideal conditions, this water will seep slowly into the ground. Sometimes, however, the amount of water generated exceeds what the ground can handle. In such a case, the water makes a beeline for the nearest exit: your friendly local storm drain. As the runoff flows over the land or impervious surfaces (paved streets, parking lots, and building rooftops), it accumulates debris, chemicals, sediment or other pollutants that could adversely affect water quality if the runoff is discharged untreated. One of the major causes of beach closings and advisories is stormwater runoff…

The best way to protect beachgoers from water contamination is to prevent pollution from reaching the beach…

Read Full Article, “NRDC testing the Waters 2010 Report”

Associated Content

EPA, Stormwater Basic Information

NRDC, Sources of Beachwater Pollution, Report

Ocean Conservancy, Storm Drains and Pollution

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