Our storm sewer system is made up of a series of ditches, culverts, and underground pipes which collect stormwater runoff, which then is conveyed to our streams, bayous, and ultimately to the Galveston Bay. It is important to understand that the water that goes down every City of Pearland citizens sink or bathtub is treated to remove physical, chemical, and biological impurities before it is released into natural streams. On the other hand, storm water is released untreated into these ditches, bayous, and streams. It is very important that the City of Pearland's citizens help prevent contaminants from flowing into storm drains, and never release any potential contaminants into them. Intentionally releasing pollutants into street gutters and storm drain is not only dangerous to the environment but also illegal.

Stormwater pollution can be split into three general classifications.

1. Litter (e.g. cigarette butts, cans, food wrappers, plastic bags or paper)

• Reduces conveyance capacity of inlet, storm sewer, and natural or manmade channels causing water to build up and flood the area
• Causes threat to the aquatic animal's lives as they tend to eat or get stuck in the litter
• Greatly reduces the aesthetic view of the area

2. Natural Pollution (e.g. leaves, yard clippings, animal feces)

• Reduces conveyance capacity of inlet, storm sewer, and natural or manmade channels causing water to build up and flood the area
• Pollutes the natural bodies of water by exposing harmful bacteria that could be found in animal feces

3. Chemical Pollution (e.g. fertilizers, oil, pesticides, detergents)

• Over applied fertilizer washes out into the drainage system,  which then promotes growth of algae, causing reduced levels of oxygen content in the water
• Metals and solvents are poisonous to aquatic life, may slow their development, make them infertile, or result in their death
• Over application of pesticides can cause water pollution, poison aquatic life, and negatively effect the ecosystem
• Petroleum products can pollute water, and cause chaos on aquatic life. When oil spills happen they can coat an animal causing reduced ability to move, inability to maintain their body temperature, feed, or reproduce.