Lots of pollutants get washed down the storm drains along with the rainwater. Oil, grease, and antifreeze from our cars, extra fertilizer and pesticides from our yards, trash and litter that accumulates in public areas, waste from pets - the rain washes it all directly into the creeks, rivers and lakes.

Polluted stormwater is now the number one cause of water pollution in North Carolina. Stormwater washes all the trash, chemicals, oil, soaps, waste and grime out of our cities and towns into the nation's rivers. Out of Oxford, into the Tar River... and down to the Pamlico Sound, along with the stormwater from all the other cities and towns in the river basin.

• We all drink water. The dirtier the water, the more it costs to treat it.
• We're all downstream from someone. Our stormwater flows to Louisburg. Theirs flows to Rocky Mount.
• If you like to fish or swim, you want to do it in clean water! Polluted waters reduce the recreational value of our lakes, rivers, and coastal waters.
• Our state's economy suffers. The fishing and shellfish industry have already been hurt by the effects of water pollution. If it gets bad enough, tourism will also be affected.
• It's all one ecosystem. Wildlife suffers first, but eventually our own health is also at risk from polluted waterways.

Impervious - any surface that will not absorb water. Pervious surfaces such as grass, woods, and gardens can absorb most of the rainwater. New pervious paving materials that are now available for driveways, parking lots, and small roads are one strategy for reducing the quantity of stormwater from an area.

Effluent - the water that is left after the wastewater is treated. Wastewater treatment plants are designed to remove most of the solid materials, chemical pollutants, and germs from the wastewater. Strict regulation and new treatment technologies mean our effluent is the cleanest it has ever been, but it still contains very small quantities of pollutants.

Non-point source pollution - another name for polluted stormwater and runoff. Factories and wastewater treatment plants are considered 'point sources' - they are easy to see and identify. Non-point sources are harder to pinpoint. Individually they are small sources of pollution, but cumulatively they are a serious problem for our rivers, lakes, and oceans.

• MAP AS ART - This is a great lesson plan with resources to link stormwater and watershed education into the North Carolina 5th grade Science, Social Studies, Information Skills, and Visual Arts curricula.
   
• Stormwater 101 - The Clean Water Education Partnership provides an excellent, clear introduction to the water cycle, watersheds, stormwater, and sources of stormwater pollution.
   
• Stormwater & Runoff Pollution - N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources' stormwater site provides resources for teachers, businesses, government, and for the public. The Stormwater Pollution Workbook is a great resource for kids.