stormwater
noun
storm·wa·ter
ˈstȯrm-ˌwȯ-tər 
-ˌwä-
: rainwater produced by a storm
a stormwater management system
As stormwater runs over lawns, streets and other man-made surfaces, it picks up pollutants—phosphorous and nitrogen from fertilizers, bacteria from pet waste and road salt, to name a few—and carries them into local streams and lakes.—
Delen Goldberg
Delen GoldbergThis rainfall "of biblical proportions," as the local newspaper described it, swamped the city in waist-high stormwater.—Christopher Cooper and Robert Block
Christopher Cooper and Robert BlockExamples of stormwater in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The vote was 4-3 to impose a moratorium on increases to water, sewer and stormwater rates.
—Aaron Leibowitz, Miami Herald, 28 May 2026
The emergency overflow meant untreated water and polluted stormwater discharged directly into the river.
—Irene Wright, USA Today, 28 May 2026
Christopher Glen of The Fertilizer Institute told CNN that contamination can also come from urban stormwater, decomposing organic matter and vehicle emissions.
—Ryan Brennan
may 27, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 May 2026
An engineering study revealed that the fill slopes were failing due to years of stormwater runoff and recommended two actions — improve the drainage system and build a retaining wall to stop erosion on nearby private properties.
—Michael Wells, Kansas City Star, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for stormwater
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Aaron Leibowitz, Miami Herald, 28 May 2026
The emergency overflow meant untreated water and polluted stormwater discharged directly into the river.
—Irene Wright, USA Today, 28 May 2026
Christopher Glen of The Fertilizer Institute told CNN that contamination can also come from urban stormwater, decomposing organic matter and vehicle emissions.
—Ryan Brennan
may 27, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 May 2026
An engineering study revealed that the fill slopes were failing due to years of stormwater runoff and recommended two actions — improve the drainage system and build a retaining wall to stop erosion on nearby private properties.
—Michael Wells, Kansas City Star, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for stormwater
Cite this Entry
“Stormwater.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stormwater. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
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