Polluted storm water runoff is a leading cause of impairment to US water bodies, which do not meet water quality standards. Over land or via storm drain systems, polluted runoff is discharged, untreated, directly into local water bodies.
Urban runoff is rain and other water flowing down gutters and streets.
It sometimes comes from over-watered lawns, washing cars, and other daily activities. As this water flows over lawns, gardens, sidewalks and streets, it picks up pollutants such as pesticides, pet waste, litter and oil that drips from cars. BMPs also include treatment requirements, operating procedures, and practices to control plant site runoff, spillage or leaks, sludge or waste disposal, or drainage from raw sewage. BMPs may include structural devices or nonstructural practices. This web page is continually updated.