Stormwater Protection FAQs

Stormwater is any precipitation that falls during a storm event. Complications arise when this runoff collects oils, grease, fertilizers, pesticides, trash, and other debris as it travels along engineered and natural conveyances before eventually ending in waters of the state. This addition of polluted water to streams has detrimental effects on the flora and fauna associated with them, not to mention our enjoyment of the serene beauty a stream ecosystem provides.

Stormwater protection is a program to prevent pollution of water resources by stormwater runoff. It is a subset of the NPDES program that addresses contamination from point and non-point sources carried to surface waters by stormwater runoff mainly through storm drains or across impervious surfaces. Permits are issued and must be abided based on best management practices for controlling contamination. At IU, sources of contamination that can be picked up by storm runoff include construction activities, facilities maintenance, accidental spills, and potentially illegal dumping. IU has developed a management program to address these sources of contamination.

IU partners with state and local agencies and community groups to implement best management practices, pollution mitigation efforts, and education programs.

Water that enters a storm drain is routed directly into area waterways. Water that enters a sanitary sewer drain is routed to the local wastewater treatment facility for treatment prior to being released to area waterways.