These different surfaces have properties that allow
water to either run off fast or slow or somewhere in between.
(In this case, slow is good)



What is the big deal? - water contamination.

We don't want contaminants in our water.
(Think drinking water, Wilson Bay, habitat for wildlife.)

"Strictly speaking, anything other than two atoms of hydrogen and one
atom of oxygen is a water contaminant.

Contaminants become pollutants when they interfere with the normal life
cycle functions of organisms living in or dependent on the water source."

How would you think a hurricane might affect runoff on each
of the 4 types of surfaces?
(Think "lots and lots of water in a very short time".)

Click here to to see the end results of uncontrolled runoff.


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