About Stormwater Runoff
Stormwater runoff begins as rain. It carries pollutants from land surfaces on its way to water bodies such as streams, lakes, and rivers. The pollutants picked up by stormwater come from a variety of sources.
Unmanaged stormwater runoff causes both flooding and pollution. It is important to properly manage stormwater runoff to reduce its negative consequences.
Flooding
Flooding occurs when an excessive volume of storm water runoff is generated due to the amount of impervious (Definition: impossible to penetrate) surfaces created during construction and the accelerated rate at which runoff is delivered. Floods are one of the most deadly types of weather conditions and claim hundreds of lives each year and costs billions of dollars.
Pollution
Untreated runoff increases the amount of pollutants in our water bodies. Pollutants can damage the quality of a lake or stream, adversely impacting the aquatic habitat of many insects and animals and reducing the suitability for basic uses such as fishing and swimming.
Types of Pollution
Point Source
Point source pollution is generated from pollutants that enter a body of water directly from a specific source, usually a pipe. The point sources of pollution typically include:
- Pipe discharges from an industrial or municipal plant
- Sewage system overflows and bypasses
- Chemical spills from industries
- Seepage from underground storage tanks
- Illegal discharges into storm sewers and drains
Non-Point Source
As runoff travels, it picks up and carries man-made and natural pollutants, tranferring them into the various water sources. Non-point sources include the following:
- Sediments from construction sites and stream bank erosion
- Animal wastes
- Hazardous wastes from landfills
- Oil, grease, and chemical spills
- Herbicides, fertilizers, and insecticides
- Trash, litter, and other debris
Contact Information
Phone: (229) 759-6000
Fax: (229) 759-6032
T. Page Tharp Governmental Building
102 Starksville Avenue North
Leesburg, Georgia 31763
Monday - Friday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Code Enforcement Department
Stormwater Management Department
About Stormwater
Stormwater Program
Ways You Can Help
Stormwater Links
Kid's Corner