If it only affects streams and creeks, why should I care?

Streams and creeks feed into rivers, lakes and the ocean. Everyone uses and drinks water, so we are all affected when our water is polluted. When water treatment costs increase in order to filter and treat the water, the price of drinking water also increases. If you like to fish, swim or boat, you may have heard or been affected by advisories warning you not to swim, fish or boat in a certain area because of unhealthy water or too much algae – this is due to stormwater pollution. Businesses and homes can also be affected by stormwater whether you live near waterbodies or not – if the area around your establishment or home is not properly prepared for handling rainfall, you can risk a flood occurring from the runoff.