Terminology
Impervious surfaces are rooftops, buildings, streets, parking lots, sidewalks, asphalt, concrete, driveways, patios, artificial turf and anything else that affects the natural rate, quality or pattern of stormwater infiltration into the ground.
Storm Drains are inlets that allow stormwater runoff from streets, swales, parking lots, etc. to enter the drainage system.
Catch Basins are structures that convey water from streets into the storm drainage system. Periodically, these catch basins need to be cleaned because they "catch" oils, sediment and pollutants that would otherwise flow freely into the canal system. These include items such as paint products, used motor oil, antifreeze, pesticides and fertilizers, cigarette butts, trash, feces, golf balls, dirty diapers, etc. Maintenance to clean out these basins removes and prevents debris from washing further into the storm drain system and our local canals.