Why do we need to manage stormwater and polluted runoff?

Stormwater management is necessary for many reasons:

  • Because more water runs off hard surfaces, developed areas can experience local flooding. The high volume of water also causes streams banks to erode and washes the wildlife that lives there downstream.
  • Polluted stormwater runoff is a cause of water pollution in Minnesota. In most cases in Minnesota today, stormwater either does not receive any treatment before it enters our waterways or is inadequately treated.
  • Polluted water creates numerous costs to the public and to wildlife. As the saying goes, “we all live downstream.” Communities that use surface water for their drinking supply must pay more to clean up polluted water than clean water.
  • Polluted water hurts the wildlife in creeks, streams, rivers and lakes. Dirt from erosion, also called sediment, covers up fish habitats and fertilizers can cause too much algae to grow, which also hurts wildlife by using up the oxygen they need to survive. Soaps hurt fish gills and fish skin, and other chemicals damage plants and animals when they enter the water.
  • The quantity of stormwater is also a problem. When stormwater falls on hard surfaces like roads, roofs, driveways and parking lots, it cannot seep into the ground, so it runs off to lower areas. To give you an idea of the difference a hard surface makes, consider the difference between one inch of rain falling onto a meadow and a parking lot. The parking lot sheds sixteen times the amount of water that a meadow does.

Show All Answers

1. Why all the fuss about stormwater now?
2. What is stormwater runoff?
3. What is polluted runoff?
4. What is nonpoint source pollution?
5. What causes polluted stormwater runoff?
6. Why do we need to manage stormwater and polluted runoff?
7. How is stormwater and runoff "managed"?
8. If it only affects streams and creeks, why should I care?
9. What is a stormwater fee and why do I have one?
10. How does this benefit the average taxpayer?
11. What can I do to make a difference at home and reduce the amount of stormwater pollution?
12. How else can I help reduce stormwater pollution in my area?
13. What is a catch basin or storm drain?
14. Are sewers and storm drains the same things?
15. Do catch basins and storm drains get cleaned out?
16. Why doesn't the City of Saint Peter clean out all of the storm drains before a storm?
17. Why doesn't the City of Saint Peter install filters or screens in front of the catch basins?
18. Why isn't a net/fence/barrier installed at the end of the storm drain channel to catch all of the trash?
19. What kinds of pollutants are found in the storm drain system?
20. What should I do if I see a neighbor throwing trash, used oil or paint into a storm drain?
21. How can I properly dispose of left-over paints, thinners, chemicals, etc.?
22. Is it okay to wash my car on the driveway if I use a biodegradable soap?
23. Yard clippings and leaves are natural, so they don't cause any problems, right?
24. Is there a fine/penalty for illegal dumping?
25. How does pet waste left on the grass affect stormwater?