stormwater

noun

storm·​wa·​ter ˈstȯrm-ˌwȯ-tər How to pronounce stormwater (audio)
-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
This rainfall "of biblical proportions," as the local newspaper described it, swamped the city in waist-high stormwater.Christopher Cooper and Robert Block

Examples of stormwater in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Appeals Court on June 12 reversed a decision by Porter Superior Court that had upheld the stormwater board’s right to impose the $100,000 fine. Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2025 If left unmaintained, vacant lots can contribute to water pollution through stormwater runoff carrying pollutants like sediment and debris, and often became invaded by non-native plant species, which can displace native vegetation and disrupt ecosystems. Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 16 June 2025 In November, Hillsborough commissioners voted to hire an independent engineering firm, Black & Veatch, for $500,000 to investigate the county’s stormwater infrastructure, identify deficiencies, explore policy changes and make recommendations. Colleen Wright, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 June 2025 These easy-care rain garden plants will look gorgeous while helping to manage stormwater and support pollinators. Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for stormwater

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stormwater was in 1848

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stormwater.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stormwater. Accessed 29 Jun. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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