What is stormwater?

Stormwater is defined by US EPA as the runoff generated when precipitation from rain and snowmelt events flows over land or impervious surfaces without percolating into the ground. Stormwater is often considered a nuisance because it mobilizes pollutants.

What is runoff?

According to the Ventura Countywide Stormwater Quality Management Program, runoff picks up trash, dirt, yard debris, oil residue, pet waste, pesticides, and fertilizers and transports them into our rivers, creeks, lakes, and the ocean.

If not managed properly, polluted stormwater runoff can cause harm to humans and to wildlife.