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1. What is stormwater pollution?

Anything that gets in the path of a raindrop becomes stormwater pollution. Another name for stormwater pollution is non-point source pollution.

2. How is stormwater pollution a problem?

Every time it rains, stormwater is carried directly to our surface waters. That means that stormwater pollution can have detrimental effects on the following into which it drains: 

• Creeks
• Lakes
• The Oceans
• Ponds
• Rivers

3. What types of pollutants are in stormwater pollution?

Stormwater can carry: 

• Animal Waste
• Automotive Fluids like Used Oil and Antifreeze
• Excess Fertilizers
• Grass Clippings
• Leaves
• Pesticides
• Sediment
• Trash
• Yard Waste
• Anything Else That Gets in Its Way

4. What can citizens do to prevent stormwater pollution?

There are several things citizens can do to prevent stormwater pollution. View some options on our Citizen Role in Stormwater Management page.

5. Is it illegal to pollute the storm drainage system?

It is illegal to discharge, cause to be discharged, directly or indirectly, or cause any pollutant to enter into the storm drain system unless permitted by a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) permit. Storm water is the only discharge permitted in the storm water system with exception of incidental non-storm water flows which do not negatively impact the quality of the receiving stream including:

• Air conditioning condensate
• De-chlorinated swimming pool discharge
• Discharge from potable water sources
• Flows from emergency fire and rescue operations other than those resulting from negligence on the part of the person who owned or controlled the pollutant
• Foundation drains
• Irrigation water
• Landscape irrigation
• Lawn watering
• Springs
• Street wash water
• Uncontaminated groundwater infiltration
• Uncontaminated, pumped groundwater
• Water line flushing, except super-chlorinated water line flushing