Certified Storm Water Operator Practice Exam

Untreated stormwater runoff primarily carries pollutants such as nutrients, sediment, heavy metals, and various chemicals from urban, agricultural, and industrial areas directly into water bodies. One significant consequence of this runoff is the promotion of harmful algae blooms. When excess nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, enter water bodies, they create a nutrient-rich environment that encourages the rapid growth of algae. This growth can result in harmful algae blooms, which can lead to oxygen depletion in the water, harming aquatic life and disrupting ecosystems. These blooms can produce toxins that are detrimental to both aquatic organisms and human health, making it a critical environmental issue.

On the other hand, while groundwater recharge and improved aquatic habitat diversity are beneficial outcomes associated with well-managed stormwater practices, untreated runoff typically leads to degradation of habitats rather than improvement. Additionally, untreated runoff can increase temperatures in streams due to the heat absorption by impervious surfaces and the reduced shading from vegetative cover, contradicting the notion of lower water temperatures. Hence, the perception of stormwater impacts must always consider the importance of managing runoff effectively to avoid adverse ecological consequences like harmful algae blooms.