How can pollutants be tracked in stormwater runoff?

The correct approach to tracking pollutants in stormwater runoff is through water quality monitoring and sampling. This method involves systematic collection and analysis of water samples from stormwater to identify and quantify the presence of various pollutants, such as sediments, nutrients, metals, and pathogens. By performing water quality tests, specific data can be gathered that helps assess the impacts of stormwater runoff on the environment and informs appropriate management practices.

Visual inspections alone are often insufficient because they do not provide detailed or quantitative data about pollutant concentrations. Similarly, measuring only rainfall amounts does not account for the quality or type of runoff generated during a storm event. Lastly, while anecdotal evidence can provide insights or suggest areas of concern, it does not offer the scientific rigor and reliability needed for effective monitoring and management of stormwater pollutants. Therefore, methodical and scientific monitoring through sampling is essential to accurately track and manage pollutants in stormwater runoff.