Urban storm-induced discharge impacts

Toxic heavy metals, organic pollutants, fecal coliform bacteria and pathogens, high flow rates, and sediment are commonly associated with urban receiving-water problems. Most beneficial water uses have been adversely affected by urban runoff. Many of the effects are associated with organic and toxic pollutant accumulations over a long time and are not associated with individual runoff events. The US EPA's Storm and Combined Sewer Research Program has sponsored several long-term research projects that are concerned with urban receiving-water problems. This article discusses the testing, sampling, pollutant effects, and some of the other results of the research programs.