What is the difference between ground water and stormwater runoff?

Groundwater

Groundwater is rainwater that has had a chance to be absorbed into the ground where it "percolates" through the ground layers. This natural cleansing process removes most of the pollutants before they enter streams. Porous soil layers, detention areas, and forested areas help absorb rainwater and greatly eliminates a lot of damaging stormwater runoff. When groundwater has a chance to percolate through the ground layers and eventually draining into the streams as a natural process, this provides a steady flow of "clean" water to streams.

Runoff

Runoff is rainwater that runs over the landscape picking up any pollutants that may be on the ground surface and carries these pollutants directly into the nearest stream. Runoff occurs when (1) there is an increase in impervious cover (rooftops, driveways, parking lots, etc.), (2) when soil is compacted by heavy construction equipment, or (3) when land is cleared by removing plants and trees that would normally help absorb rainwater. When rainwater cannot be absorbed naturally into the ground layers, rainwater runoff enters the streams too quickly causing erosion and flooding conditions.

Show All Answers

1. Why should I be concerned about polluted streams?
2. How can I support clean water efforts?
3. How can I protect my watershed?
4. What can I do at home to reduce stormwater pollution?
5. What is the difference between ground water and stormwater runoff?
6. How is water from a sanitary sewer system different from stormwater runoff or from a storm drain?
7. Who can I contact for information?
8. Who should I call to report a source of pollution or drainage problem?
9. Is there a list of recycling centers in Jefferson County?
10. How does stormwater runoff become polluted?
11. Is stormwater runoff treated at a waste water facility?
12. What is an Illicit Discharge?