Stormwater Basics

Stormwater is a part of the overall water cycle.  Precipitation falls to earth, some is absorbed into the ground, and some makes its way into streams and rivers, and eventually oceans.  In a natural environment, stormwater will soak into soils and soft surfaces, and some water will run into area streams.  In the environment of the Grand Valley, however, the clay soils don’t absorb moisture very well, meaning that impervious surfaces such as rooftops, sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, and other surfaces, cause untreated stormwater to flow into storm drains, creeks and rivers.

Stormwater is rainfall or snowmelt that runs off of driveways, parking lots and rooftops and goes into a gutter, ditch, natural wash, and into the storm drain system.  Stormwater does not go to a treatment plant, so any pollutants like oil, grease, pesticides, fertilizers, detergents, lawn clippings, pet waste, and litter are carried into the stormwater and discharged into waterways and back into the environment.

Storm Drain System

Stormwater Management

Flooding

Environmental Regulations

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