Water
Most water–whether from a building, a rainstorm, or exterior cleaning activities– eventually reaches surface waters (streams, creeks, rivers, ponds, lakes, or wetlands). The City of Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan (U-M) use separate sanitary and storm water systems to handle wastewater and storm water runoff.
Sanitary sewer systems transport wastewater from drains within homes, offices, restaurants, laboratories, and shops to the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), where it is treated before being discharged to a surface water body. Whereas storm water drainage systems transport surface runoff from rainstorms and snowmelt directly to lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds. Water that enters the storm water drainage system receives minimal treatment, if any, before being discharged.
Surface water quality can be impacted by products and waste discharged into the sanitary system if the WWTP is unable to remove it before discharge. Surface water can also be impacted by products used outdoors such as fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides. Because of the potential impact from U-M operations, it is important for everyone to be aware of and take precautions against discharging materials that could prove harmful to the environment.
Supplemental Information
What is sediment and debris and why is it harmful?
- Eroded soil and sediment can settle at the bottom of surface waters destroying animal and plant habitats
- Sediment can transport unwanted nutrients to surface waters, resulting in algal blooms and oxygen depletion
- Suspended sediment can be harmful to fish (clogging of fish gills) and plants (reducing light needed for photosynthesis)
- Debris can float on the surface preventing light from passing through, which can hinder plant and animal growth
To help reduce impacts from soil erosion, sedimentation, and debris:
- Avoid increasing or adding new impervious surfaces when possible to help lessen storm water runoff to streams, creeks, and rivers, thus reducing channel erosion
- Clear designated paths for storm water runoff—to help reduce flooding and soil erosion
- Vegetate bare soil to help reduce erosion and increase storm water infiltration
- Pick up and properly dispose of trash and debris to prevent it from reaching surface waters