Stormwater runoff is generated when precipitation from rain and snowmelt events flows over land or impervious surfaces and does not percolate into the ground.

As the runoff flows over the land or impervious surfaces (paved streets, parking lots, and building rooftops), it accumulates debris, chemicals, sediment, oil, fertilizers, pesticides, soil, trash, and animal waste that could adversely affect water quality if the runoff is discharged untreated into local waterways.

Stormwater is of concern for two main issues: one related to the volume and timing of runoff water (flood control and water supplies) and the other related to potential contaminants that the water is carrying, i.e. water pollution

Stormwater runoff can also cause flooding and erosion, scoured streambeds channels, instream sedimentation, destroy habitat and contribute to combined sewer overflows

The Pikes Peak Regional Stormwater Task Force was established to assess stormwater project needs, identify and prioritize critical projects that will have the greatest impact at the lowest cost.