AN INTRODUCTION TO STORMWATER NORTHEAST WISCONSINS WATERS ARE

AN INTRODUCTION TO STORMWATER.

NORTHEAST WISCONSIN’S WATERS ARE ENJOYED BY PEOPLE OF ALL AGES, ALL YEAR ROUND. WHO’S RESPONSIBLE TO PROTECT SUCH A VALUABLE RESOURCE?

Every Choice Counts.

WATER – GOOD, CLEAN WATER – IS IMPORTANT TO ALL OF US Surface Runoff approximately 8 0% of everyone in Wisconsin drinks water from wells. We depend on having a reliable ground water supply

WATER – GOOD, CLEAN WATER – IS IMPORTANT TO ALL OF US We also value surface water: our lakes, rivers, streams and wetlands. Surface Runoff

THE WATER CYCLE It rains. Water flows down into stream and lakes. Evaporates. Forms clouds. Surface Runoff It rains again. RIGHT? Water Cycle image from Heights Technology Blog

THE WATER CYCLE There are two ways water travels to area lakes, streams, rivers Infiltration & Runoff Surface Runoff

RAIN THAT FALLS HERE… Surface Runoff Soaks into the earth

The water moves under ground, becoming ground water Surface Runoff … AND ENDS UP HERE.

HOW IT GETS THERE Surface Runoff Natural Spring Natural spring water leaving ground and entering creek.

RAIN THAT FALLS HERE… becomes urban runoff (stormwater) Surface Runoff

It moves under ground, through storm water pipes Surface Runoff Photo taken from Earth Partnership for School – UW Madison Arboretum & myfairlakes. com curriculum presentation … AND ENDS UP HERE. Photo Credit: Steve Seilo, Photodynamix

HOW IT GETS THERE STORMWATER or urban runoff, is rain or snowmelt and water from things people do, like overwatering the lawn.

HOW IT GETS THERE As stormwater makes its way to the storm drain it picks up pollutants like oil from cars leaks, fertilizers from yards and bacteria from pet waste. Water enters the storm drain, carrying all sorts of pollutants with it.

UNTREATED RUNOFF IS THE BIGGEST THREAT TO OUR NATION’S WATER QUALITY. -U. S. Environmental Protection Agency Often urban runoff (stormwater) is directly discharged into nearby water bodies without any water quality treatment. Photo Copyright 1999, Center for Watershed Protection

Urbanization significantly changes the water balance especially in regard to INCREASING SURFACE RUNOFF Surface Runoff Pre-Development Post-Development

This wasn’t as great of a problem WHEN CITIES WERE SMALL

BUT AS CITIES GREW, THE PROBLEM GREW!

IMPACTS OF URBANIZATION Urbanization significantly changes the amount of hard (impervious) surface. More impervious surface Photo Copyright 1999, Center for Watershed Protection INCREASES STORMWATE R RUNOFF VOLUME.

IMPACTS OF URBANIZATION Increased runoff can cause flooding not only of streams but of city streets.

IMPACTS OF URBANIZATION Increased runoff volume causes Erosion.

Urbanization INCREASES POLLUTANTS in runoff and DECREASES WATER QUALITY.

THE POLLUTANTS IN STORMWATER RUNOFF NUTRIENT S Nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus are substances needed for growth, but elevated levels can cause a health hazard in drinking water and stimulate excessive aquatic plant growth, which can ultimately lower dissolved oxygen levels. SOURCES: animal waste, fertilizers, yard waste, septic systems, auto emission

THE POLLUTANTS IN STORMWATER RUNOFF Pathogens are disease-causing bacteria and viruses associated with the presence of fecal matter that cause beach closures. SOURCES: failing septic systems, bird and pets waste, marine sanitation devices

THE POLLUTANTS IN STORMWATER RUNOFF Debris includes plastics and other trash that threaten aquatic life and detract from recreational and aesthetic values. SOURCES: illegal dumping, street litter, beach litter, boating waste

THE POLLUTANTS IN STORMWATER RUNOFF Sediment is eroded soil or sand which smothers aquatic habitat, carries pollutants, and reduces water clarity. SOURCES: road sand, construction sites, agricultural fields, disturbed areas

THE POLLUTANTS IN STORMWATER RUNOFF Toxic Contaminants Toxic contaminants are compounds like heavy metals and pesticides that can threaten the health of both aquatic and human life, and are often resistant to breakdown. SOURCES: industrial, commercial, household and agricultural chemicals, auto emissions and drippings

THE POLLUTANTS IN STORMWATER RUNOFF Thermal Stress Thermal stress is an elevation in water temperature that can harm native species while helping nonnative species to spread. SOURCES: runoff from heat-absorbing hard surfaces, removal of streamside vegetation, shallow water, decreased ground water flow

Rusty Crayfish Mayfly POLLUTED RUNOFF TURNS HEALTHY STREAMS….

INTO UNSUITABLE HOMES

WHAT WE DO AT HOME, AT SCHOOL AND AT WORK AFFECTS OUR LAKES, STREAMS AND RIVERS.

We can DECREASE the QUANTITY of polluted runoff entering our rivers and lakes Every Choice Counts.

Less Hard Surface The more concrete or blacktop property has, the more water will run off the property and into storm drains and ditches. q Planting native plants slows water so that it filters into the ground rather than runs off. Natural plants allow infiltration even better than grass q Installing pavement such as bricks, instead of cement or blacktop, will allow water to sink into the ground

Rain Gardens A rain garden is a shallow depression planted with native plants. q Rain gardens collect and temporarily hold runoff water, promoting infiltration and removing pollutants.

Rain Barrels A rain barrel captures water that flows from a home’s roof through downspouts. q Water collected can be used to water plants throughout the yard. q Water collected by the rain barrel is not leaving the property as runoff.

Redirect Down Spouts Redirect downspouts onto an unpaved surface. q Water discharged onto a grassy area will soak into the ground instead of flowing onto the road and into a storm drain.

Water less When watering is needed, use a sprinkler that shoots low to the ground. Sprinkle soil, not the street. q Watering only when needed will lessen the amount of water that runs off your property and into the storm drain. q Conserving water also means less water is pumped out of the ground water supply.

We can INCREASE the QUALITY of runoff entering our rivers and lakes Every Choice Counts.

Mowing Grass clippings that are entering our local waterways through stormwater are contributing to the green algae blooms we are seeing in waters throughout Northeast Wisconsin. To keep grass clippings out of the stormwater q Cut grass often and let clippings fall. q Make an effort not to blow cuttings onto pavement. If you do, sweep them up, then lay aroundshrubs or plants.

Fertilizing & Weed Control Chemicals and weed killers are not needed for a healthy lawn, and they’re one of the main reasons we have green algae in our lakes and streams. q Encourage family and friends to get a soil test so they know if their lawn needs more nutrients. q Let people know that mulching grass clippings will help keep the lawn healthy. q If they must fertilize, help sweep up fertilizer that falls in the street and dispose of it properly.

Pet Waste Pet waste is not only an unpleasant find on yard or sidewalk, but it carries bacteria that contribute to beach closings in the summer. q Prevent bacteria in our streams by carrying small plastic bags when walking your dog. q Collect droppings and dispose of properly. Do not throw pet waste down the storm drain. q At home, pick up pet waste often, even waste in your backyard can pollute local waterways.

Car Washing When you wash your car in a driveway or street, wash water flows into the storm drain and directly into local rivers – along with dirt, emissions and detergent. q You can avoid this by using a commercial car wash, where wash water is directed to local wastewater treatment facilities. q If you must wash your car at home, use biodegradable soap and wash it on your lawn or other unpaved area.

Vehicle Maintenance When a vehicle is maintained, fewer leaks spill onto streets and highways and fewer contaminants enter our streams. q So when you’re tempted to put off repairs or the six-month maintenance check, think again. When your car performs better, our waters fare better too!

Mindful Driving Did you know vehicle emissions affect water quality? Tiny particles emitted from tail pipes settle on roadways, wash into storm drains, then flow to rivers and streams. Street sweeping can minimize the impact of this pollution but rain and melting snow still carry contaminants to storm drains. q Reduce pollution, drive less. q Plan trips so you can accomplish several things at once q Use public transportation. Even better, walk or ride your bike!

Household Hazardous Waste Products such as: cleaning products and wash water, food oils and grease, automotive oil, grease and waste fluids, paint, petroleum-based solvents, rodent baits, batteries, herbicides, pesticides, concrete wash water and sidewalk salt, contain the same chemicals as strictly regulated industrial wastes. q Handle with care q Dispose of properly q Use less

If you wouldn’t dump it in the river, don’t let it touch parking lots, soil, or any other place where it can be washed into a ditch or storm drain. Every Choice Counts.

Thank you! Adapted from Introduction to Storm Water: Impacts to Solutions Created by: Earth Partnership for Schools and the UW – Madison Arboretum presentation Funded by: Madison Area Municipal Storm Water Partnership By Northeast Wisconsin Stormwater Consortium P. O. Box 1861 • Appleton, WI 54912 • www. newsc. org Photo Credits: Roger Bannerman, Jim Bertolacini, Margaret Burlingham, Center for Watershed Protection, DNR and UWEX file photos, Matt Hanson, Carolyn Johnson, Mc. MAHON & Associates, Members of NEWSC, Bob Queen, Ellen Rulseh, Bill Volkert, Suzanne Wade, Jim Lorman, Larry Coffman For more information visit www. Renew. Our. Waters. org