Runoff picks up fertilizer, oil, pesticides, dirt, bacteria and other pollutants as it makes its way through storm drains and ditches - untreated - to our streams, rivers, lakes and the ocean. ... Reducing runoff can help prevent water pollution, reduce flooding, and protect our precious drinking water resources.

What are the effects of runoff?

Urban and suburban stormwater runoff erodes streams, kills fish, pollutes swimming beaches, floods homes, and causes many other problems. Stormwater runoff collects an often-toxic mix of pollutants including: Trash. Soil and sediment.

What are the negative impacts of runoff?

Uncontrolled stormwater runoff has many cumulative impacts on humans and the environment including: Flooding - Damage to public and private property. Eroded Streambanks - Sediment clogs waterways, fills lakes, reservoirs, kills fish and aquatic animals. Widened Stream Channels - Loss of valuable property.