Report: Stormwater runoff fouls rivers

The Capital Times — 10/17/2008 11:22 am

Stormwater is to blame for fouling rivers and streams in America, thanks to oily, dirty runoff from hard surfaces such as parking lots and rooftops, according to a report released Thursday by two environmental groups.

Since runoff is a local problem, the two groups, American Rivers and Midwest Environmental Advocates, are encouraging local governments to be vigilant and enact zoning ordinances and comprehensive plans to reduce the impact of dirty stormwater on our nations waterways.

"Polluted stormwater is a huge problem nationally, degrading America's rivers and streams," said Gary Belan, American Rivers clean water program director. "It's a problem that can be solved at the local level by citizens and community leaders."

Hard surfaces prevent rainwater from soaking into the ground, running off into streets, picking up pollution before draining into storm sewers and waterways.

According to the report, paved surfaces and rooftops generate 16 times more runoff than the fields they replace, with many urban areas now losing 300-690 billion gallons of water a year that used to filter back into groundwater and drinking water supplies.

Karen Schapiro, executive director of Midwest Environmental Advocates, said stormwater is regulated by the Clean Water Act but a lot depends on local regulations.

"Stormwater discharge law requires vigilance and oversight which state and local governments don't always have the time and money to do," Schapiro said. "Citizens have an opportunity to be advocates for the environment by watching and reporting stormwater pollution in their communities."

The Capital Times — 10/17/2008 11:22 am

Community Comments

Fri. Oct. 17, 2008 12:25 pm

Trader Glen says:

Catching and reusing stormwater is the way to go. If the collection surface is managed, the stormwater offers a water resource superior to most groudwater and surface water supplies. For exampole, it's naturally 'soft.'

The link between urban and ag runoff and water resource degradation has been known for quite some time. No need to spend lost of money to reestablish that point.

The water reuse initiative is already underway here in Wisconsin.