Stormwater Definition
Stormwater is rain and snow melt that runs off surfaces such as rooftops, paved streets, highways, and parking lots. As water runs off these surfaces, it can pick up pollution such as: oil, fertilizers, pesticides, soil, trash, and animal waste. From here, the water might flow directly into a local stream, bay, or lake. Or, it may go into a storm drain and continue through storm pipes until it is released untreated into a local waterway.
Surface Water in Des Moines
The City's Surface Water Management Program is continuing to improve the quality of life for Des Moines residents, businesses, and visitors. The following outlines individual components of the Surface Water Quality Program, which were developed in preparation for the Washington State Department of Ecology issued National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II Storm Water Permit under the Federal Clean Water Act.
- Public Education/Public Involvement
- Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
- Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control
- Post Construction Stormwater Control
- Municipal Operations Pollution Prevention