HOW IS STORMWATER TREATED?
How Are Stormwater Contaminants Removed? It may seem like rainwater just hits the ground, flows down the street and out to the nearest river, lake or ocean. But stormwater collection and treatment systems are more complicated than that. Rainwater that falls gently on lawns or in woods, may percolate into the soil. But, as stormwater flows over impervious surfaces like roofs, driveways, parking lots, roads, highways, construction sites and more, it picks up contaminants that could end up in our natural waters: Sediment Oil, grease, antifreeze, metals Detergents Microplastics Lawn clippings, leaves, yard waste and other organics Fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides Bacteria from pet waste and wildlife Trash/Litter These contaminants affect water quality and may harm aquatic plants and animals. And in some parts of Florida, the affected waters are drinking water sources. While drinking water must go through a highly regulated treatment process, contaminants from...