Don't, run-off...

When rain or snow falls onto the earth, it just doesn't sit there -- it starts moving according to the laws of gravity. A portion of the precipitation seeps into the ground to replenish Earth's ground water.* Most of it flows downhill as runoff. Runoff is extremely important in that not only does it keep rivers and lakes full of water, but it also changes the landscape by the action of erosion. Flowing water has tremendous power -- it can move boulders and carve out canyons (check out the Grand Canyon!).
*Ground water is an important part of the water cycle. Ground water is the part of precipitation that seeps down through the soil until it reaches rock material that is saturated with water. Water in the ground is stored in the spaces between rock particles (no, there are no underground rivers or lakes). Ground water slowly moves underground, generally at a downward angle (because of gravity), and may eventually seep into streams, lakes, and oceans.

So how do humans impact groundwater and above-ground run-off?

1. Storm Water:
Storm water is water from rain or melting snow that does not soak into the ground. It flows
from rooftops, over paved areas and bare soil, and through sloped lawns. As it flows, this runoff col- lects and transports soil, pet manure, salt, pesticides, fertilizer, oil and grease, leaves, litter and other potential pollutants.

Why should you be concerned?
Polluted storm water degrades our lakes, wetlands and rivers. Soil clouds water and degrades
habitat for fish and water plants. Nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen promote the growth of algae, which crowds out other aquatic life. Toxic chemicals, such as antifreeze and oil from leaking cars, carelessly applied pesticides, and zinc from galvanized metal gutters and downspouts, threaten the health of fish and other aquat- ic life. Bacteria and parasites from
pet manure can make nearby lakes and bays unsafe for wading and swimming after storms.
As many people have discov- ered, storm water can be a prob- lem closer to home. It can flow
into basements and cause damage that is difficult and costly to clean up. Storm water can also flow down a poorly sealed well shaft and contaminate drinking water. In areas with very porous soils or geology, pollutants in runoff may reach groundwater.

Public officials are focusing pollution control efforts on storm water management in urban and
rural areas. Storm water pollution cannot be treated in the same way as water pollution from discharge pipes, because it comes from many sources. It is carried by storm water from every street, parking lot, sidewalk, driveway, yard and garden. The problem can only be solved with everyone’s help.
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