What is Stormwater
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Stormwater refers to rainwater or snowmelt that travels over impervious land surfaces as runoff. Stormwater Pollution results when this runoff picks up, carries and transports various pollutants (oil, grease, chemicals, dirt, sediment, nutrients, pathogens) along streets, drains, open channels, storm sewer systems, which is eventually discharged untreated into nearby water bodies. However, in combined sewer systems, stormwater flows with sewage to a wastewater treatment plant.
In urban areas, stormwater management is especially important due to decreases in natural land cover and the expansion of impervious surfaces like rooftops, sidewalks and roadways. These surfaces exacerbate runoff because they change the permeability of the landscape—preventing rainwater from soaking in or infiltrating the soil. Some of the impacts of stormwater include flooding, sewer overflows and nonpoint source pollution.
Stormwater is managed using storm sewers as well as best management practices, which include green infrastructure and low impact development.
For the latest in stormwater news, check out the Stormwater Report website.
Summary of Stormwater Experts Meeting
A summary from a WEF invitational meeting to discuss issues and experiences implementing green infrastructure and low-impact development practices.
Main points from WEF's Future of Stormwater meeting
The Future of Stormwater meeting intended to identify and discuss big-picture stormwater issues, sector needs, and ways WEF can most effectively educate, advocate, and collaborate in the realm of stormwater.
Barriers to green infrastructure implementation
In 2011, WEF met with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) after an invitation to identify barriers and solutions to implementing green infrastructure. EPA is using this input to inform its green infrastructure strategy.
Design of Urban Stormwater Controls (MOP 23)
Developed by WEF and ASCE, this MOP focuses on consolidating technologies under a comprehensive view of stormwater management in an attempt to foster a convergence between traditional stormwater controls and green infrastructure. Also check out recordings of WEF's no-charge MOP 23 webcast series.
Water Environment & Technology
24 hours to disaster
The creek’s rising, and the plant will be underwater
Coordinated monitoring for stream condition
Multiple indicator assessments in the San Gabriel River watershed improve efficiency and provide a solid context for decision-making
Making Stormwater Retrofits Pay- Open Access
Creating a market for stormwater retrofits to harness self-interest, leverage river protections, and promote sustainable development in the District of Columbia
Has it been 100 years already?
Why rare storms occur so frequently and what to do about it
Tracking bacteria to find pollution sources
An integrated watershed approach to improve water quality
Intelligent real-time solutions for stormwater management
The key to navigating shifting weather trends
WEF collected the videos on StormTV through the Stormwater Call for Media, an effort to share innovative stormwater projects through pictures and video.
WEF does not endorse the services, products, or projects featured in the listed videos.
Watch these and a growing list of videos on the stormwater playlist featured on the Water Environment Federation’s YouTube channel by clicking the TV icon on the left.
Another 100-Year Storm Modern Rainfall Patterns and Management Strategies
Green Infrastructure: Economic, Social, Technical, and Policy Overview From the Regulatory, Academic, and Consulting Viewpoint
A Roadmap to Developing a LID Design Competition
Evaluating Stormwater Outreach: Is anyone listening?
Gaining Regulatory Acceptance for Green Infrastructure in Wet Weather Programs – 3 Case Studies
Wet Weather Disinfection: Issues and Challenges
More Resources to Share
Water Works: Rebuilding Infrastructure, Creating Jobs, Greening the Environment
A report created by Green For All along with American Rivers, the Economic Policy Institute, and the Pacific Institute, with funding by the Rockefeller Foundation.
Banking on Green
A report on green infrastructure co-authored by American Rivers, the American Society of Landscape Architects, ECONorthwest, and the Water Environment Federation