What is storm water runoff?
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Storm water runoff is rain and melting snow that flows off building rooftops, driveways, lawns, streets, farm fields, feedlots, parking lots, construction sites, and industrial storage yards. Developed areas are covered by buildings and pavement which do not allow water to soak into the ground. Storm sewers are used to collect large amounts of runoff from streets and parking lots. But where does this water go?
Farm fields are also designed to move water into rivers and streams, so that standing water doesn’t suffocate plants. These streams and rivers act like the storm sewers in urban areas.
Learn more about stormwater runoff reduction in rural areas.
What a farmer needs to know (PDF).
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Why is storm water runoff a problem?
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Green Infrastructure Stratagies:
These stratagies prevent polluted storm water runoff from reaching our waterways by managing water better when it rains and snows.
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It only takes 1 teaspoon of salt to pollute 5 gallons of water to a level that is toxic for freshwater ecosystems. We can all work together to use the right amount of salt!
We rely on salt to keep our roads safe in the winter and to soften water in our homes year-round but using more salt than is needed comes with a heavy price. In Wisconsin and much of the United States, chloride from salt is infiltrating into our lakes, streams and groundwater. Learn more about how you can make a difference.
City of Baraboo
City of Mosinee
City of Wausau
Village of Rib Mountain
UW-Stevens Point
City of Marshfield
City of Schofield
City of Wisconsin Rapids
Village of Rothschild
Marathon County
City of Merrill
City of Stevens Point
Village of Kronenwetter
Village of Weston
MISSION:
The Northcentral Wisconsin Stormwater Coalition coordinates and collaborates on education and outreach activities, and recommends policy and operational changes for cooperating local governments in order to comply with regulations and reduce stormwater pollution in a cost effective manner so that residents of Central Wisconsin benefit from lakes and streams that remain swimmable and fishable.