What Problems Does it Create?
Stormwater runoff negatively impacts the public health, safety, and economy in towns and cities all across New Jersey. Nearly 90 percent of our rivers, streams, and lakes are polluted, and 60 percent of this water pollution is due to stormwater runoff.   Â
Stormwater fouls our waters
When it flows over impervious (hard) surfaces, stormwater picks up oil, chemicals, pet waste, bacteria, sediment, and other pollutants. In many communities, it overwhelms the storm drain system, carrying these pollutants directly to streams, ponds, rivers, wetlands, and oceans, making them unsafe for people and for wildlife.Â
Stormwater floods our communities
As development and impervious surfaces increase, natural absorption of rainfall decreases, creating even more stormwater runoff. This increased flow causes major flooding issues, damaging homes and businesses, shutting down roads and transit systems, and threatening drinking water and public safety. Â
Stormwater hurts our economy
In addition to property damage from flooding, polluted stormwater causes beach closures, shellfish bed contamination, habitat loss, property value decreases, loss of recreational usage, and business interruption. These negative impacts cost our country billions of dollars annually.1
