Stormwater
Why It Matters
Stormwater can pick up debris, chemicals, dirt, and other pollutants and flow into a storm sewer system or can directly flow to a lake, stream, river, wetland, or coastal water. Anything that enters a storm sewer system is untreated and enters the water bodies we use everyday like for swimming, fishing and drinking water. As a result it affects us because we have to drink contaminated water or swim in a polluted river.
* Polluted stormwater runoff can have many different effects on plants, fish, animals, and people.
* Sediment can cloud the water and make it difficult or impossible for aquatic plants to grow which in turn can destroy the 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 cannot exist in water with low oxygen levels.
* Bacteria and other pathogens can wash into swimming areas and create health hazards, often making beaches close.
*Debris such as 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 such as insecticides, pesticides, paint, solvents, used motor oil, and other auto fluids can poison aquatic life. Land animals and people can become sick or even 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.
Monitoring and Reporting
A vital part of any stormwater program is assistance from others with monitoring and reporting. Part of protecting stormwater from pollution is making sure that spills, dumping, and hazardous materials are reported so the appropriate actions can be taken.
If you see a stormwater violation, suspect dumping, or have an incident to report, please contact Public Safety: 218-477-2449; EH&S: 218-477-2998, or Physical Plant: 218-477-2662.
MSUM Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP)
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Stormwater Program
City of Moorhead Stormwater Managment
Stormwater Prevention Pollution Poster 2