Certified Storm Water Operator Practice Exam

Untreated stormwater discharges pose significant risks to both the environment and public health. When stormwater is not properly managed or treated, it can carry a variety of pollutants such as sediments, heavy metals, nutrients, oils, and pathogens. These pollutants can contribute to water quality degradation, which means that water bodies can become contaminated and unfit for recreational use, fishing, or drinking.

Additionally, the influx of excessive nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, can lead to algal blooms. These blooms not only deplete oxygen levels in the water but can also produce toxins harmful to aquatic life and humans. Such conditions can result in habitat loss for fish and other organisms, negatively impacting biodiversity.

Moreover, untreated stormwater can introduce pathogens into waterways, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases in humans. As a result, untreated stormwater discharges have far-reaching environmental and health consequences that underscore the importance of effective stormwater management practices.