| Uncontrolled stormwater pollution affects the way a stream or other water body looks and smells, making it unpleasant to be near. This can impact the quality of life for everyone living in and around a community.
Trash and debris in the drainage system can lead to foul odors and may attract rats and other pests. If trash reaches the stream, it ruins the beauty for everyone.
Nobody likes to see water running the color of rust, but when sediment gets in streams, they no longer run clear. Large amounts of sediment can harm the quality of life and reduce opportunities for recreation due to infilling of creeks, ponds and lakes.
Increased nutrients, usually from fertilizers, may cause algae blooms, particularly on ponds and small lakes. These blooms cover the water surface with a thick green slime the consistency of pea soup. These algae blooms not only make the pond look bad, they choke out the other vegetation and aquatic life.
Streams polluted with oil have a reflective, unhealthy glow. Four quarts of oil can cause an eight-acre oil slick if spilled or dumped down a storm drain. This can lead to fish kills and other unsightly problems as well as create foul odors from the decaying of fish.
Reducing the amount of pollutants, household chemicals, and sediment can help maintain the quality of a stream. In return, a healthier stream will improve conditions and increase the quality of life. |
