Surface Runoff What is it? Surface runoff is water, from rain, snowmelt, or other sources, that flows over the land surface, due to gravity. It is a major component of the water cycle that is influenced by humans. Why should we care? BECAUSE!! Stay tuned…

Why is the water brown? Sediment - non-point source pollution of solid material that is moved and deposited in a new location. Fertilizer/Pesticide - non-point source pollution that adds large amounts of Nitrogen downstream causing algal blooms. Stormwater Runoff - non-point source pollution which drains grease, oils and other chemicals into the watershed. Development/Construction - point source pollution where the ground in disturbed from its natural state & infiltration is reduced. Industrial Waste - point source pollution that adds liquid wastes (sometimes toxic) to the downstream ecosystem.

Sedimentation particles in flowing water that settle out of the water in which they are suspended, and come to rest against a downstream barrier.

Creates an algal bloom downstream Fertilizer Runoff The nation's waterways are brimming with excess nitrogen from fertilizer--and plans to boost biofuel production threaten to aggravate an already serious situation Creates an algal bloom downstream

Storm water Runoff generated when precipitation from rain and snowmelt events flows over land or impervious surfaces and does not percolate (infiltrate) into the ground.

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Development/Construction Runoff flows over construction sites picking up sediment and other pollutants such as building materials, concrete washout, paint, fuel, wastewater, oil and solvents.

Industrial Waste Pollution from industrial runoff can include heavy metals, dirt, and salt. Oil, grease, and other toxic chemicals from industrial facilities.

So what does this look like? .What are possible solutions?

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