It is against the law to discharge pollutants into (1) the storm drainage system (2) surface water and (3) groundwater.
Streams
Streams serve as a natural habitat and a source of food to many animals, fish, and aquatic life. Pollution will kill a stream and everything that uses it for survival. A stream filled with these items will suffer:
- Choking with sediment from unchecked erosion
- Debris from construction sites
- Dumping of tires
- Herbicides
- Illegal dumping of paint
- Overuse of pesticides
- Scrap metal
These items contaminate water, causing death or illness to aquatic life, and fish by interrupting their reproductive cycle. The stream or waterway begins to fill up. The riparian corridor is destroyed. When that happens, the stream dies.
Drinking Water Supplies
Pollutants also contaminate drinking water supplies. Antifreeze, detergents, and oils actually change the chemical makeup of water causing destruction not only to fish but also to the surrounding habitat for plants and animals. The economic loss is immeasurable.