What are two major problems associated with stormwater?

The identification of runoff and contaminants as major problems associated with stormwater effectively highlights two critical environmental concerns.

Runoff refers to the excess rainwater that flows over land, often picking up various substances and materials as it moves. This can lead to issues like urban flooding and the transfer of debris into waterways. The management of runoff is vital because it can overwhelm drainage systems and natural water bodies, leading to various urban problems.

Contaminants are substances that can dirty or pollute water, including a variety of harmful chemicals such as pesticides, fertilizers, and heavy metals that are often washed into the stormwater system from urban surfaces. This contamination poses significant risks to water quality and aquatic ecosystems, as well as human health if not properly managed.

Both runoff and contaminants are interconnected issues: as runoff increases, so does the potential for contaminants to be carried into larger bodies of water, making their management paramount in public works and environmental engineering.

Such an understanding is important in the context of stormwater management, making it clear why these two problems are prioritized in discussions on effective urban planning and environmental protection strategies.