Why is runoff a problem?
Stormwater runoff is the flow of water from rain or melting snow that does not soak into the ground.  Under natural forested conditions, when soils are not frozen, much of the water soaks into the ground.  But as an area becomes developed or altered with roads, driveways, or impervious services (rooftops, decks, walkways, and parking lots), less water can seep into the soil, so runoff increases.  This increased runoff is generally channeled into ditches, drainageways, storm sewers, or road gullies and often ends up in streams and Lake Pend Oreille.

High flows of water can cause flooding or erosion, as well as increasing the amount of sediment and pollutants, such as petroleum products, pesticides, fertilizers, bacteria, and metals, entering the Lake.

Your property alone probably is not a significant source of pollution, but the cumulative effect of all the properties in the Lake Pend Oreille Basin could have a considerable impact on water quality.

What is Lake*A*Syst?
Lake Assessment System (Lake*A*Syst) is a voluntary program designed to help you protect Lake Pend Oreille by reducing stormwater pollution.

1. Use the factsheet and the associated worksheet (highlighted in yellow) to assess stormwater runoff from your property.

2. Review the Action Checklist (at the back of the worksheet summary) to inventory contamination sources, and to help you.

3. Take Action to protect the Lake, by using Best Management Practices found in Lake*A*Syst.

How do I complete the worksheet?

After reviewing the information provided, go to the worksheet and check what applies to you.  This should take about 15 to 30 minutes to complete the worksheet and summarize your risk rankings.

Download and Print Stormwater Runoff Management Fact/Worksheet