Intro to Stormwater Pollution
Every time it rains, some of the water runs off of the land. This is known as stormwater runoff. As it flows off of rooftops and lawns, and down driveways and streets, stormwater picks up pollutants and debris. This can include such things as:
- Sediment (dirt)
- Motor Oil
- Heavy Metals (lead, copper, zinc, cadmium)
- Leaves and Grass Clippings
- Pet Waste
All of these contaminants are carried by stormwater (now known as polluted stormwater runoff) to the nearest storm drain or drainage swale and are eventually delivered, untreated, into the nearest river, lake or stream. This type of water pollution is known as nonpoint source pollution because the sources of contamination come from many dispersed locations that, while each may be very small, cumulatively have a large impact. This is opposed to a sewage spill or industrial discharge, which is known as a point source of pollution.
A common misconception is that water that runs off streets and parking lots into a storm drain goes directly to a wastewater treatment plant. It doesn't. In fact, stormwater usually receives no treatment!
Stormwater pollution can make monitoring and treatment of our drinking water more difficult and costly. In addition, it can hinder the health of the aquatic ecosystem and result in the loss of our rivers, lakes and streams for recreational purposes.
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About The City of Chickamauga
The Battle of Chickamauga
The Battle of Chickamauga, named after the Chickamauga Creek which flowed nearby, was fought September 19-20, 1863 and involved more than 110,000 soldiers of the Northern and Southern Armies.
Union General William Rosecrans had his headquarters at the Gordon Lee Mansion prior to the battle. The Mansion, completed in 1847, is still standing today. Many parched and wounded soldiers from both sides drank from the town's bubbling Crawfish Spring, which is still active today.Learn More