From Street to Stream: What Really Happens to Rainwater in Mecklenburg

Published on March 12, 2025

Most people assume that the water flowing down the street after a rainstorm heads to a treatment plant. But here in Charlotte—and in most cities—that’s not the case. In fact, the water that runs off your driveway, lawn, or street goes straight into our local streams without any treatment. 

This street-to-stream connection is an important one to understand. What we do on land directly impacts the health of our waterways. 

What Is Storm Water? 

Stormwater is rain or melted snow that doesn’t soak into the ground. Instead, it flows over rooftops, driveways, streets, and parking lots—picking up oil, litter, pet waste, yard chemicals, and other pollutants along the way. 

That water then enters storm drains—the grates you see on roadsides or in parking lots. From there, it’s funneled directly into our streams. 

Why This Matters for Charlotte 

Most streams in Mecklenburg County are classified as “impaired” by state standards. That means they’re not clean enough for swimming, fishing, or supporting a healthy range of aquatic life. 

Stormwater pollution is one of the biggest reasons why. Because stormwater doesn’t get filtered or cleaned before reaching our streams, everything that washes into drains affects the environment—and ultimately, ourselves. 

A Shared Responsibility 

Every drop of water that hits our streets has a destination, and that destination is often a stream that winds through our neighborhoods, parks, and natural spaces. By making mindful choices, we can protect those waters for ourselves, our wildlife, and future generations. 

It all starts with understanding the street-to-stream connection. 

Small Changes = Cleaner Streams 

Here’s the good news: there’s a lot each of us can do to help keep our waterways clean. 

• Pick up after your pets. Pet waste contains bacteria that can harm local water life.
• Don’t blow leaves into the street. Leaves clog storm drains and reduce water quality.
• Sweep, don’t spray. Use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks.
• Fix car leaks. Oil and fluid leaks are common pollutants that end up in our creeks.
• Use fewer lawn chemicals. Fertilizers and pesticides can be toxic to fish and aquatic insects, and can contribute to algae blooms in our lakes.

These may seem like small actions, but they add up in a big way when practiced across the community. 

What Storm Water Services is Doing 

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services works year-round to manage and improve water quality. From restoring streams and building green infrastructure to educating the public and enforcing stormwater rules, the team is focused on protecting the health of our waterways. 

You can explore some of our projects and programs at Storm Water Services.