What is Stormwater?

Stormwater is water that runs off roofs, driveways, and streets into our storm drains when rain or snowmelt flows over the ground. What most people do not realize is that in the journey from the sky to streets to streams, stormwater picks up chemicals and pollutants that can contaminate our waterways. Impervious surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, and streets prevent stormwater from naturally soaking into the ground.

 Why is Stormwater Runoff a Problem?

Stormwater can pick up debris, chemicals, dirt, and other pollutants and flow into a storm sewer or directly to a lake, stream, or river such as the Etowah River right here in Bartow County (or wetlands or coastal waters in other areas). Anything that enters a storm sewer system is discharged untreated into the waterbodies we use for swimming, fishing, and providing drinking water!