Catch Basin
An opening to the storm drain system that is designed to catch debris/large matter before entering the sewers.

Evapotranspiration
Water entering the atmosphere through:
1) evaporation from surface water and soil
2) transpiration - water loss in vegetation through its surface openings.

Groundwater
Water existing below the surface of the land, between sedimentary particles and rocks.


Infiltration
Penetration of water from the ground surface into the soil.

Storm Water
Water from precipitation, ice thaw, and runoff that enters the storm drain system.

Urban Runoff
Excess water, not absorbed into the ground, that carries pollutants through our neighborhoods, into the storm drain system and ocean.