What is a BMP? A storm water BMP reduces water pollution and can
reduce flood risks. It can be: Storm water runoff is rain that
is not absorbed into the earth. Instead, it runs off streets,
rooftops, parking lots, even lawns. As it flows, storm water
picks up pollutants such as pesticides, fertilizers, bacteria,
oil and sediment. In Charlotte-Mecklenburg, storm water is piped
directly to creeks. It does not go to a wastewater treatment
plant. 70% of the pollution in our streams, rivers and lakes is
carried there by storm water. How can BMPs help? BMPs are
designed to improve water quality by reducing pollution in our
streams, rivers and lakes.