Pollutants commonly found in stormwater runoff include:
What are the effects of stormwater runoff?
Stormwater runoff that has been polluted has adverse effects on plants, fish, animals, and people. Sediment clouds the water and makes if difficult for aquatic plants to grow and can destroy aquatic habitats. Too many nutrients form fertilizers and pesticides can cause algae blooms, and in turn, remove oxygen from the water when it begins to decompose. When oxygen levels are low, fish and other organisms cannot survive. Bacteria and other pathogens from pet waste can wash into recreational areas and create serious health problems. Litter, such as cigarette butts, bottles, cans, and plastic items often wash into creeks and streams and can kill, suffocate or hurt he creatures that reside there.
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