Storm Drain Protection

Making Sense of Stormwater

Stormwater Runoff is the water, following a precipitation event that flows off impervious surfaces and cannot be absorbed by the soil.

Precipitation is any form of water that falls to the earth's surface. This includes rain, snow, hail, and freezing rain or sleet. Annual precipitation for the City of Lima is 36-40 inches.

Impervious Surface is any surface that does not allow precipitation to pass through. Some examples of these hard surfaces in our community include rooftops, driveways, patios, sidewalks, streets, and, parking lots whether paved or compacted gravel.

Pollution Connection The majority of pollution in our rivers and streams is carried there by runoff. As this water moves across the surfaces of our community, it picks up everything lying loose such as oil, antifreeze, pet waste, litter, fertilizers, pesticides and soil particles.