

City Runoff
by Tamiko
Rain does not always evaporate or soak into the ground. Sometimes
it becomes
runoff
. Runoff flows over land and streets, and then
into storm drains. Storm drains often empty right into bays, lakes,
and streams.
Some people don’t know that storm drains connect to local water
systems. They sometimes pour pet waste, oil, paint, and other
hazardous materials into storm drains. The untreated water harms
the water supply.
In some cities, science clubs or
environmental groups paint pictures
of fish on the sidewalks near storm
drains. The fish remind people that
whatever goes into the storm drain
will enter the water supply.
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