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Typical stormwater pollutants, summary of sources and potential concerns for harvest and use

Typical stormwater pollutants, summary of sources and potential concerns for harvest and use
Pollutant Sources Potential Concerns

Nutrients

  • Nitrogen
  • Phosphorus
  • atmospheric deposition, sediment (adsorbed nutrients)
  • organic debris
  • fertilizer runoff
  • animal feces
  • combined sewer overflows
  • Support growth of algae or unwanted microbial growth on the water surface in the storage unit.
Organic Matter
  • Organic debris (leaves, flowers, pollen, twigs, insect carcasses, etc.)
  • Decomposition in tank can result in low dissolved oxygen levels, nuisance odors, and release of pollutants from sediments
Suspended Sediment
  • paved surfaces
  • areas of bare soil/poor vegetative cover
  • construction activity
  • stockpiles
  • May clog pump intake or distribution
  • Increases maintenance of storage
Chlorides
  • De-icing chemicals
  • water softening chemicals
  • Corrosive to metal pipes/plumbing
  • Plant toxicity (irrigation)
Pathogens
  • animal feces (including bird feces on rooftops)
  • insects/vector organisms
  • drainage area activities such as waste management
  • sewage overflows or leaking sewers
  • Human health risk
Metals
  • Vehicle exhaust
  • Roofing materials
  • Drainage area activities that are potential sources of metals (e.g. vehicle fueling or repair)
  • Plant toxicity

Organic Chemicals

  • Pesticides/herbicides
  • Industrial chemicals and solvents
  • Petroleum-derived chemicals
  • Drainage area activities that are potential sources of organics (e.g. herbicide/ pesticide use or waste management)
  • Plant toxicity
  • Human health risk
  • Animal health risk