Exploring Stormwater Pollution

What type of pollution might be carried down into storm drains when it rains? 

Were there any types of pollution that surprised you? 

What are some of the surfaces that can absorb water when it rains or snows? 

What were some of the areas that cannot absorb the precipitation, causing runoff? 

​Warm-up/ Journal Work

Exploring Stormwater Pollution

Understanding the impact of stormwater runoff on water quality and the environment. Exploring the causes, effects, and solutions to mitigate stormwater pollution.

Stormwater Pollution

When it rains, various types of pollutants can be carried by stormwater runoff, including sediments, chemicals, nutrients, bacteria, and heavy metals. These pollutants can contaminate water bodies, harm aquatic life, and affect human health. It is important to implement proper stormwater management practices to reduce pollution and protect our environment.

Stormwater Pollution

Explore the surprising types of pollution that can be carried into storm drains. Discover the various surfaces that absorb water during rainfall or snowfall. Learn about the impacts of stormwater pollution and how it can be mitigated.

• Types of pollution: Chemicals, oils, pesticides, litter
• Absorbent surfaces: Soil, grass, pavement, rooftops
• Impacts: Contaminated waterways, harm to aquatic life, flooding
• Mitigation: Proper disposal, rain gardens, green infrastructure

Stormwater Runoff

Trivia: When it rains, stormwater runoff can carry various pollutants. These include chemicals, nutrients, bacteria, and heavy metals. It is important to manage stormwater to prevent contamination of water bodies and protect the environment.

Flooding

Trivia: Stormwater pollution can lead to flooding, which can cause significant damage to homes, infrastructure, and the environment. It can overwhelm drainage systems and cause water to accumulate in low-lying areas. Flooding can disrupt daily life and have long-lasting effects on communities.

Multiple Select

What can be carried by stormwater runoff when it rains?

• Chemicals

• Nutrients

• Bacteria

• Heavy metals

Stormwater Runoff

Trivia: Installing rain gardens, permeable pavement, and green roofs are effective measures to mitigate stormwater runoff. These solutions help to absorb and filter rainwater, reducing pollution and protecting the environment. Other measures include planting more trees and avoiding the use of plastic bags. Constructing more roads, however, can exacerbate stormwater runoff issues.

Exploring Stormwater Pollution

Infiltration is the process by which water seeps into the ground and is absorbed by soil and rocks. Runoff occurs when water flows over the land surface instead of infiltrating into the ground. Evapotranspiration is the combined process of water evaporation from surfaces and transpiration from plants. Students can help clean water by implementing strategies such as constructing rain gardens, using permeable pavement, and planting trees to increase evapotranspiration.

Multiple Choice

What are the impacts of stormwater pollution?

• Contaminated waterways

• Harm to aquatic life

• Flooding

• Increased biodiversity

Multiple Choice

What are some measures to mitigate stormwater runoff and protect the environment?

• Planting more trees

• Using plastic bags

• Constructing more roads

• Installing rain gardens, permeable pavement, and green roofs

Multiple Choice

What process helps in cleaning water by increasing evapotranspiration?

• Infiltration

• Runoff

• Evapotranspiration

• Transpiration

Water Cleaning Process

Trivia: Evapotranspiration is the process by which water is transferred from the land to the atmosphere through evaporation from the soil and transpiration from plants. It plays a crucial role in cleaning water by increasing the overall evaporation rate, reducing the concentration of pollutants. This natural process helps maintain the water cycle and ensures the availability of clean water for various ecosystems.

Open Ended

What are the other ways to reduce water pollution?