Stormwater runoff is a serious issue that requires our attention and action. By understanding the effects of runoff and taking steps to reduce its impact, we can help to protect the health of our waterways, wildlife, and coastal communities.
What is Stormwater?
Stormwater is any water flowing over a paved surface, like a sidewalk or roadway. It comes from precipitation (i.e. rain), irrigation, or other activities that can lead to water flowing over the land and not being absorbed by the ground.
How Does Stormwater Impact Biscayne Bay?
As the rain beats down on our streets, sidewalks, and roofs, it carries with it more than just water. In fact, stormwater runoff is a major source of pollution in our waters that poses significant risks to our environment, public health, and local ecosystems. Stormwater runoff occurs when water flows over hard surfaces, such as concrete and asphalt, and into storm drains, canals, rivers, and other bodies of water. This runoff carries with it pollutants – such as oil, chemicals, litter, and sediment – causing harm to aquatic life, reducing water quality, and compromising the health of our waterways.
How can you help?
As members of the community, each of us can also take many simple steps to minimize the impacts of stormwater. These include:
- Reduce the use of chemicals, such as fertilizers and pesticides, around our homes and businesses.
- Install rain barrels or rain gardens to capture and reuse runoff (and take Miami-Dade County’s free rain barrel workshop to receive a rebate).
- Plant native vegetation, which requires less watering and provides better filtration of pollutants.
Participate in community clean-up events to reduce litter and other pollutants.
