In some areas polluted runoff is also known as storm water runoff. The Bureau of Water operates a storm water regulatory program for certain categories of storm water runoff. Everyone, in one way or another, is likely to contribute to polluted runoff. What gets left on or near the street, washes down the stormdrain and out into your local creek or stream. These creeks and streams come together and form the rivers and lakes from which we get our drinking water and enjoy recreational activities.
Polluted runoff comes from many sources and can carry many contaminants.
It may contain bacteria and nutrients from malfunctioning septic systems or animal waste, eroded soil from land disturbances, nutrients and pesticides from agricultural or urban areas, air pollutants from atmospheric deposition, and heavy metals and other toxins bound to soil particles. From the farm to the urban neighborhood, there is no lack of contaminants. Reducing Polluted Runoff We all contribute to runoff pollution. Everyone can have a part in reducing it. Here are some of the things each of us can do to limit polluted runoff.