SNHS Biology Blog 19: Runoff - One of North Fulton's Greatest Sources of Pollution

Sriram Yerneni

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Water pollution is a global threat that warrants urgent action to solve; it has far-reaching consequences that greatly impact both human health and the environment. Having the moniker "universal solvent," water is greatly susceptible to pollution. In the same way compounds can be easily dissolved in it that allow ecosystems like coral reefs to thrive, industrial chemicals and metal particles can disperse in water. And just as water sustains forests and crops, harmful microorganisms can proliferate in it, especially after human-caused ecological disruptions. Water is a resource that we will only need more in the coming years; it is paramount we take action now to preserve this resource for future generations.

Georgia especially has an issue with surface runoff, a source of water pollution that slowly poisons many of our tributaries and sources of our rivers, lakes, and streams. The cause of contamination for 98 percent of all "impaired" waters reported by the state is stormwater runoff in Georgia. Debris, dirt, and contaminants have harmful effects on wildlife, trees, and humans in stormwater runoff. The water which flows through storm drains, unlike waste water, is not treated. Contaminated storm water compromises the safety of our water supply, the stability of local aquatic ecosystems, and the efficacy of our water treatment systems. The environmental and financial costs of runoff pollution are great. Toxic chemicals leaching into bodies of water will not only endanger wildlife–including several of Georgia's endemic species–but also contaminate sources of drinking water. A considerable amount of local water pollution is caused by stormwater runoff, water that flows over the ground surface. As this water flows, it picks up sediment and environmentally harmful compounds, like pesticides and oil.

There is much individuals can do to prevent or lessen this issue. People can reduce the amount of fertilizer and herbicide they use on their lawns, or altogether remove portions of their lawn and replant with native species. This would have the unintended benefit of also increasing biodiversity and reducing other resources spent on maintaining a lawn and unintentionally creating an attractive landscape. It's important to note that little actions count just as much and are amplified when done by a community. Cleaning up after pets outside, disposing of household waste properly, and promptly fixing oil leaks on a vehicle all help to reduce runoff and water pollution. A well-organized, educated, actionable and most of all, motivated community can bring great change.