Dangers of Water Runoff

- Kills over 2.2 million people every year
- Kills animals
- In 2002, about 2.6 billion people lacked an adequate water treatment system
- Arsenic is threatening 75 million people and can cause breast cancer, kidney and liver disease, respiratory problems and death
- Every 8 seconds and child dies somewhere in the world because of dirty water
- Malaria and dengue fever are disease that originate from polluted water
- An aquatic ecosystem becomes unsanitary and unhealthy when the balance of its natural state is disturbed by something physical, chemical, or biological
- Over two-thirds of U.S. estuaries and bays are severely degraded because of nitrogen and phosphorous pollution
- Every year almost 25% of U.S. beaches are closed at least once because of water pollution
- Over 73 different kinds of pesticides have been found in the groundwater that we eventually use to drink
- 1.2 trillion gallons of sewage, storm water and industrial waste are discharged into U.S. waters every year

- 40% of U.S. rivers are too polluted for aquatic life to survive
Americans use over 2.2 billion pounds of pesticides every year, which eventually washes into our rivers and lakes

Types of Water Runoff

Surface cleaning discharge:

The washing of toxic materials such as oil, antifreeze, grease, as well as cleaning chemicals used to clean parking lots, sidewalks, buildings or other surfaces, that results in discharge.

 

Vehicle & equipment leaking:

The leaking of fluids from automobiles, trucks, heavy machinery and other equipment, including but not limited to: brake fluid, radiator fluid, motor oil, transmission fluid, battery acid, etc. resulting in discharge.

 

Dewatering:

Contaminated water from construction areas resulting in discharge.

 

Water line breaks:

Unplanned release of water from break in water pipes and potential soil erosion resulting in discharge.

 

Landscape material dumping:

The illegal dumping of landscape materials resulting in discharge.

 

Vehicle washing:

The washing of vehicles that results in discharge.

 

Vehicle repair:

The illicit discharge of automotive fluids or contaminated water from vehicles associated with activities such as oil changing, radiator flushing that result in discharge.

 

Used oil dumping:

The illegal dumping of motor oil resulting in discharge.

 

Un-hardened cement discharge:

The washing of cement and/or the rinsing of cement mixing and laying equipment resulting in discharge.

 

Equipment cleaning:

The washing of equipment using solvents resulting in discharge.

 

Dumpster discharge:

Dumpster that is exposed to rainwater and/or contains leaks resulting in discharge.

 

Pools/Spas/Fountains discharge:

The release of contaminated pool, spa and/or fountain water resulting in discharge.

 

Cooling water discharge:

The release of contaminated water associated with flushing, leaking or blow down of cooling towers.

 

Accidental spills:

Accidental releases of pollutants resulting in discharge.

 

Abandoned drums discharge:

Drums of hazardous or non-hazardous materials dumped and exposed to rainwater or runoff, which results in discharge.

 

Sanitary spill or leak:

Accidental release from sanitary sewer system resulting in discharge.

 

Dumping:

         Improper disposal of hazardous materials.

More Info

If you're ever inspired to research on your own, here are some websites to help you out:
http://water.epa.gov/polwaste/nps/outreach/point7.cfm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urban_runoff

Runoff Prevention

Urban runoff is bad, but here are some things you can do to prevent it:
-Pick up street litter (and don't litter at all!)
-Avoid putting chemicals in the ground; this includes oil, soap, or gardening chemicals.
-Spread awareness! Research on your own and learn what you can do to save the environment.
Got better ideas? Leave a comment!

What is Freshwater runoff?

Freshwater runoff, aka urban runoff, is a term used to describe the water that comes from rain, melting snow, and irrigation. The runoff water itself is not the problem; people who wash their cars or litter leave residue in the ground, washing soap and harsh chemicals into the drains. Once the garbage and oil is in the bay it causes many problems for the creatures in the bay. It also passes through lakes, rivers, and creeks, spreading the pollution throughout the world's water supply.
How does this affect you? The seafood you eat and the water you drink, and much more, is affected by the chemicals put into the bay. Help prevent urban runoff and make the world a better place :)

Check out this blog for more information: http://promote-runoff-awareness.blogspot.com/