Urban Stormwater

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    Urban Stormwater


    WHAT IS URBAN STORM WATER?

    ISA

    Stormwater refers to the water (either rain or snowmelt) that flows over the land and heads downhill towards the nearest stream or ditch. In a natural setting, most rainfall or snowmelt would soak into the soil, where sediment and pollutants would be filtered out. Cities and towns have many "impervious surfaces," such as driveways, roads, sidewalks, parking lots, and rooftops, that water can't penetrate. Instead, these impervious surfaces collect the stormwater, as well as oil and other toxic chemicals from parking lots and houses, and sends it straight to storm drains which drain directly into your local lake or stream.


    WHY CARE ABOUT STORM WATER?

    Water in the West is a precious commodity as our desert landscape doesn't provide us with very much water. The Intermountain West is also experiencing some of the fastest urban growth in the United States, which is causing an increase in water use, especially for watering lawns and gardens. This increase water use has taken a toll on the local environment. Continuing construction, as well as increases in impervious surfaces, has also taken a heavy toll on the quality of the water that we rely on. The desert climate has exacerbated the issue due to during dry spells where toxic chemicals accumulate on impervious surfaces, then rush into the local water bodies in high concentrations through storm drains.

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    ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

    Human caused factors are very influential on stormwater quality in urban areas. We do so much that changes the natural flow of water and add many chemicals that are not only toxic to the local wildlife, but also to ourselves. A common misconception is that storm drains first drain water to a treatment plant, but since that's not usually the case, it is important that we do what we can to maintain clean stormwater. Below are things that we do that impact stormwater quality, as well as things you can do to limit your impacts on stormwater.

    neighborhood

    COMMUNITY STORMWATER

    As watersheds are all connected, stormwater is a community commodity that affects everyone. Visit our Community Stormwater page to learn more about what you can do to help protect the stormwater in your community.

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    disconnection

    GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE

    Green infrastructure can be easy and affordable and can have huge impacts on water quality. It can be incorporated in your home, as well as throughout an entire community. Explore our Green Infrastructure page to see what you can do at your home.

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    STORMWATER AT HOME USE

    Our homes and daily habits are one of the biggest influences in stormwater quality. Explore our Stormwater at Home page to see simple improvements you can make in your home and routine that can have huge positive consequences on your local stormwater.

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    EPA seal

    EPA STORMWATER PROGRAM

    The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a lot of valuable information about the problems and potential solutions to the effects of urbanization on stormwater. Visit the EPA Stormwater Program webpage to learn more.

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    storm drain stencil

    STORM DRAIN STENCILING

    Putting up friendly reminders about where storm drains send water is a great way to help protect your stormwater. Look at our Storm Drain Stenciling page to see how this has positively impacted stormwater in Utah.

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    rain barrel

    RAINWATER HARVESTING

    Rain harvesting is a very simple practice that helps keep rain water in the area that it falls. As of May 11, 2010 it is a legal practice in Utah. Learn more at our Rain Harvesting page.

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    native plants

    WATER CONSERVATION

    Since our water is scarce in Utah, conserving it is extremely important. Visit our Water Conservation page to see what conservation practices you can incorporate in your home and yard.

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    teaching

    STORMWATER RESOURCES

    Many publications about stormwater, as well as resources for educating children, are available. Visit our Stormwater Resources page to access them.

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