What is a significant source of stormwater pollution?

A significant source of stormwater pollution is the spillage of products on the ground. When products such as oil, chemicals, or other hazardous materials are spilled on impervious surfaces like streets and parking lots, they can easily be washed away by rainwater into storm drains. This runoff carries the pollutants directly into nearby water bodies without any treatment, leading to water quality degradation.

In urban and suburban settings, these spills often occur due to accidents, improper disposal, or industrial activities. Unlike natural sources of water like rainfall or groundwater, which do not contribute to pollution with their presence alone, spillage involves human activities that introduce harmful substances into the environment, making it a major contributor to stormwater pollution.