Storm Water Facts Did You Know?   What is Stormwater Runoff?  Stormwater runoff occurs when precipitation from rain or snowmelt flows over the ground.  Impervious surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, and streets prevent stormwater runoff from naturally soaking into the ground.   Why is stormwater runoff a problem?  Stormwater can pick up debris, chemicals, dirt, and other pollutants and flow into a storm sewer system or directly to a lake, stream, river, wetland or coastal water.  Anything that enters a storm sewer system is discharged untreated into the waterbodies we use for swimming, fishing and providing drinking water.   Stormwater Pollution Solutions:      Auto Care  – Washing your car and degreasing auto parts at home can send detergents and other contaminants through the storm sewer system.  Dumping automotive fluids into storm drains has the same result as dumping the materials directly into a waterbody. ∙Use a commercial car wash that threats or recycles its wastewater, or wash your car on your yard so the water infiltrates into the ground. ∙Repair leaks and dispose of used auto fluids and batteries at designated drop-off or recycling locations. Commercial – Dirt, oil, and debris that collect in parking lots and paved areas can be washed into the storm sewer system and eventually enter local waterbodies.             ∙Sweep up litter and debris from sidewalks, driveways and parking lots, especially around storm drains.             ∙Cover grease storage and dumpsters and keep them clean to avoid leaks.             ∙Report any chemical spill to the local hazardous waste cleanup team.  They’ll know the best way to keep spills from harming the environment.