Stormwater Frequently Asked Questions
What is Stormwater?
Stormwater consists of rainwater and melted snow. Runoff from rainfall or snowmelt flows over streets, lawns, farms, parking lots, and construction and industrial sites, conveying pollutants, such as sediment, oil, and debris, into stormwater treatments or directly into streams.
Why is Stormwater a problem?
Ordinarily, stormwater infiltrates, or is absorbed into the ground, and joins groundwater, or it slowly flows over vegetated areas into lakes and streams. Developed "impervious areas," or areas that prevent stormwater from infiltrating, e.g. streets and rooftops, generate runoff during rainfall or snowmelt events that can alter both the quantity and quality of local streamflows and transport pollutants into local waterbodies.
What should I know about Stormwater in Juneau?
In Juneau, everything poured or dropped on an impervious surface, such as a parking lot or street, or into a storm drain ends up in our waterbodies and will eventually flow into Gastineau Channel. Common stormwater pollutants include: sediment, motor oil, fuel spills, dog poop, vehicular and cleaning chemicals, and garbage.
You can help! Reduce stormwater-related water pollution by limiting the amount of chemicals and other pollutants you use in your yard and home. This includes washing your car at the local car wash, where runoff is treated, disposing of household chemicals and hazardous waste at CBJ hazardous waste events, picking up after your pet, and reducing the amount of fertilizer used on your lawn.
See our list: Ten Things YOU Can Do to Prevent Stormwater Runoff & Pollution
Where can I learn more about Stormwater Management and Treatment?
CBJ Stormwater Best Management Practices Manual
The CBJ published a technical Stormwater BMP Manual (download link) for use in development design and construction in Juneau. It includes design considerations for locally appropriate techniques for improving stormwater quality and for pollution source control.
Stormwater Management Resource Library
The Juneau Watershed Partnership maintains a public-use Stormwater Management Library in our downtown office. View a list of available titles, and contact us to schedule an appointment.
Are there currently any Stormwater BMP Sites in Juneau?
Yes! There are many examples of locally-appropriate Stormwater BMPs throughout Juneau. JWP is developing a list of local BMP examples for the web, including our own Stormwater BMP Demonstration Sites.
