ABSTRACT
Storm water is defined as storm water runoff, snowmelt runoff, and surface runoff and drainage. Storm water management is important in urban water systems, including water supply systems and wastewater systems. Growing urbanization has a significant impact on the surrounding environment, creating problems such as non-point sources of water pollution. Storm water system components and functions interact with, and may also interfere with, each other. Integrated system management coordinates actions to achieve water quantity and quality control, focusing on issues such as floodplain management, erosion and sediment control, nonpoint source pollution, and preservation of wetlands and wildlife habitat. Many federal agencies are directly involved in flood hazard mitigation, flood control, and floodplain management. State governments enable legislation providing for involvement in storm water management. The principal authority for storm water management is the government with jurisdiction, usually a municipality. Urban storm water pollution and most pollution in combined sewer overflows originate from nonpoint or diffuse sources.
