Storm Drain Near Grand Lake
Stormwater Runoff 101
When it rains, whether a drizzle or a downpour, water flows off of impervious surfaces, like streets, parking lots, driveways, houses, cars and anything else that doesn’t allow the water to filter into the ground. This water is now considered stormwater and as it flows it picks up pollutants along the way. Oil, grease, fertilizer, animal waste and trash are just a few of the things that it carries directly to a river or lake. Stormwater in Oklahoma is not treated before it flows into our waters, so everything we do on the land can affect water quality.
As impervious surfaces increase, so does runoff which can result in increased flooding. While much of the Grand Lake watershed lies in other states, there are things that can be done right here to help reduce runoff and protect water quality.
Many people draw their drinking water from intakes such as this.