The storm drainage system is designed to collect stormwater - rain and snowmelt - and release it directly into Windsor waterways. Pollutants are transported in stormwater as rain and snowmelt travel across surfaces such as lawns, roads and parking lots, picking up substances such as fertilizers, pesticides, oil and sediments before entering rivers and streams. Contaminants that enter our waterways degrade the quality of drinking water sources for people downstream, our own recreation areas, and the quality of fish and wildlife habitats.
Sediment is the biggest pollutant of concern during construction due to the removal of soil cover. Heavy metals and nutrients attach to soil particles that, if allowed to reach the storm drain, degrade water quality. Sediment can also smother fish and active spawning areas, lead to dredging costs from excess material, and contribute to flooding problems as a result of deceased channel capacity. In addition to sediment, there are many chemicals of concern including paint, mortar, and trash.