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 aquatic life. Bacteria and parasites from pet manure can make nearby lakes and bays unsafe for wading and swimming after storms. As many people have discovered, storm water can be a problem 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. 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. Common sources of storm water pollutants.