What are the effects of storm water pollution?

Polluted storm water runoff can have many adverse effects on plants, fish, animals, and people.

  • Sediment can cloud water and make it difficult or impossible for aquatic plants to grow. Sediment can also destroy aquatic habitats.

  • Excess nutrients can cause algae blooms. When algae die, they sink to the bottom and decompose, in a process that removes oxygen from the water. Fish and other aquatic organisms can’t exist in water with low dissolved oxygen levels.

  • Bacteria and other pathogens can wash into swimming areas and create health hazards, often making beach closures necessary.

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

  • Household hazardous wastes like insecticides, pesticides, paint, solvents, used motor oil, and other auto fluids can poison aquatic life. Land animals and people can become sick or die from eating diseased fish and shellfish or ingesting polluted water.

  • Polluted storm water often affects drinking water sources. This in turn, can affect human health and increase drinking water treatment costs. 


Show All Answers

1. What is storm water runoff?
2. Why is storm water runoff a problem?
3. What are the effects of storm water pollution?
4. How can we prevent storm water pollution?
5. How do fertilizers and pesticides affect storm water pollution?
6. What should I do when maintaining my vehicle to prevent pollution?
7. How should I maintain my septic system to prevent storm water pollution?
8. Can pet waste contribute to storm water pollution?
9. What residential landscaping changes can I make to prevent pollution caused by storm water runoff?