EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Precipitation is water that falls from the atmosphere to the Earth’s surface. Infiltration is precipitation that soaks into the soil. Runoff is precipitation that does not soak into the soil but instead moves on the Earth’s surface toward streams.

Detailed explanation-2: -Runoff picks up fertilizer, oil, pesticides, dirt, bacteria and other pollutants as it makes its way through storm drains and ditches-untreated-to our streams, rivers, lakes and the ocean. Polluted runoff is one of the greatest threats to clean water in the U.S.

Detailed explanation-3: -Pollutants in stormwater may include antifreeze, grease, oil, and heavy metals from cars; fertilizers, pesticides and other chemicals from gardens, homes and businesses; bacteria from pet wastes and failing septic systems; and sediment from poor construction site practices.

Detailed explanation-4: -Surface runoff is precipitation runoff over the landscape.