Station 3: Watershed

Watershed 9-10

Class Discussion:

What term describes water that flows across the Earth's surface after a storm or other precipitation event (snow, ice storm, etc.)?

Stormwater is water that flows off impermeable surfaces, which are surfaces such as roads and buildings that can not absorb water. The water flows quickly into storm drains, which often lead directly to streams, rivers, lakes, etc. When the storm drain system is overwhelmed, flooding occurs. Some stormwater will soak into the ground.

What phrase describes the ability of stormwater to pick up and carry pollutants as it travels or runs along the ground?

Stormwater runoff describes the process where stormwater picks up various pollutants after a rain event and pushes/pulls the pollutants into a body of water.

Stormwater runoff is the #1 cause of stream impairment in urban areas.

What are things that could contribute to water pollution as part of stormwater runoff?

• Throwing trash or litter
• Leaking chemicals such as oil, gasoline, or other common household chemicals (paint, car wash soap, cleaners, etc.)
• Leaking sewage pipes or septic tanks
• Pet waste-- not picking up after dogs
• Construction areas loosening dirt
• Farms or households using too much fertilizer or pesticides
• Other chemicals or waste from factories or industry

All of this pollution is pushed into our watershed due to stormwater runoff. A watershed is an area of land where all of the water flows in one direction, toward a larger body of water.

The direction that water travels in a watershed is based on the topography, or how the land is shaped in regards to features and elevation. The topography of the land shapes the watershed.