Storm water is water from rain or melting snow that is not absorbed. It runs off the ground and paved surfaces before entering storm drains (grates on the road), where it makes its way into our waterways. As the runoff flows over land and impervious surfaces, it picks up trash, sediment, bacteria, heavy metals and other pollutants. Due to the high amount of impervious surfaces in Everett, storm water pollution is of high concern.