User:EcoWarrior22/sandbox

Lead
Stormwater, also spelled storm water, is water that originates from rain, including snow and ice melt. Stormwater can soak into the soil (infiltrate), be stored on the land surface in ponds and puddles, evaporate, or contribute to surface runoff. Most runoff is conveyed directly to nearby streams, rivers, or other water bodies (surface water) without treatment.

In natural landscapes, such as forests, soil absorbs much of the stormwater. Plants also reduce stormwater by improving infiltration, intercepting precipitation as it falls, and by taking up water through their roots. In developed environments, unmanaged stormwater can create two major issues: one related to the volume and timing of runoff (flooding) and the other related to potential contaminants the water is carrying (water pollution).

Stormwater is also an important resource as human population and demand for water grow, particularly in arid and drought-prone climates. Stormwater harvesting techniques and purification could potentially make some urban environments self-sustaining in terms of water.

Contents

 * 1Stormwater pollution
 * 2Stormwater runoff as a source of pollution
 * 3Urban flooding
 * 4Stormwater creation of sinkhole collapses
 * 5Stormwater management
 * 5.1Technical aspects
 * 5.2Institutional and policy aspects
 * 6Integrated water management
 * 7Regulations
 * 7.1United States
 * 8Public education campaigns
 * 9History
 * 10See also
 * 11References
 * 12External links

Lead
Storm water, typically referred to as stormwater, is liquid water that originates from precipitation. Stormwater can occur as rain or as snow and ice melt. Stormwater follows the routes described in the water cycle. After reaching land, it can soak into the soil (infiltrate), puddle, evaporate, or contribute to surface runoff. Most runoff is conveyed directly to nearby streams, rivers, or other water bodies (surface water) without treatment.

In natural landscapes, such as forests, soil absorbs much of the stormwater. Plants also reduce stormwater by improving infiltration, intercepting precipitation as it falls, and by taking up water through their roots. In developed environments, unmanaged stormwater can create two major issues: one related to the volume and timing of runoff (flooding) and the other related to potential contaminants the water is carrying (water pollution).

Stormwater is also an important resource as human population and demand for water grow, particularly in arid and drought-prone climates. Stormwater harvesting techniques and purification could potentially make some urban environments self-sustaining in terms of water.

Contents

 * 1Stormwater pollution
 * 2Stormwater runoff as a source of pollution
 * 3Urban flooding
 * 4Stormwater creation of sinkhole collapses
 * 5Stormwater management
 * 5.1Technical aspects
 * 5.2Institutional and policy aspects
 * 6Integrated water management
 * 7Regulations
 * 7.1United States
 * 8Public education campaigns
 * 9History
 * 10See also
 * 11References
 * 12External links