During a rainfall, water that flows off of roads, parking lots and driveways is collected at the storm drains. This water also picks up any debris, sediment, and pollutants (such as fertilizers, oils, and pesticides) along the way, which eventually end up untreated at our local streams and creeks. Sediments & pollutants suffocate spawning gravel (where salmon lay their eggs) and too much storm water runoff can wash away eggs, erode and destabilize the stream banks that are critical for fish and other wildlife. Fish are extremely sensitive to pollutants and other habitat changes, so their presence is a good indicator of stream health.
Streams, wetlands and riparian areas (the land that runs along side streams) play important roles in our communities as:
- Important spawning habitat for fish
- Biological diversity and habitat for numerous other wildlife species (birds, frogs, insects)
- Helps to prevent flooding
- Provide green corridors for wildlife in developed areas
- Provide a good indication of the health of the surrounding watershed. Good water quality is essential for the good health of a community!