What Is Stormwater?
Stormwater is water generated from rain, melting snow, and other forms of precipitation. As it falls to the ground, it may soak into the soil or flow across rooftops, driveways, parking lots, streets, and other hard surfaces. Water that flows over the ground and into storm drains is known as stormwater runoff.
Why Is Stormwater a Concern?
Unlike water that flows through a wastewater treatment plant, stormwater runoff is typically not treated before entering local waterways.
As stormwater travels across developed areas, it can pick up pollutants such as:
- Oil and automotive fluids
- Fertilizers and pesticides
- Pet waste
- Trash and litter
- Dirt and sediment
- Household chemicals
These pollutants are carried through storm drains, roadside ditches, and storm sewer systems directly into nearby streams, rivers, wetlands, lakes, and other water resources. Poor stormwater management can negatively impact water quality, wildlife habitats, public health, and local infrastructure.
How You Can Help Protect Local Waterways
Residents play an important role in reducing stormwater pollution. Simple actions can make a significant difference:
- Properly Dispose of Hazardous Materials: Never pour oil, paint, cleaning products, or other chemicals into storm drains or onto the ground. Dispose of these materials through approved collection and recycling programs.
- Use Lawn and Garden Products Responsibly: Apply fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides according to manufacturer instructions and avoid overapplication, especially before rain events.
- Pick Up Pet Waste: Pet waste contains bacteria and nutrients that can contaminate waterways. Always pick up after your pets and dispose of waste properly.
- Reduce Runoff on Your Property: Consider installing stormwater-friendly features such as, rain barrels, rain gardens, native plant landscaping, permeable surfaces. These practices help capture and absorb rainfall, reducing the amount of runoff entering the storm sewer system.
Stay Smart and Safe This Winter
Did you know that salt, de-icing products, and other materials used to improve traction on snow and ice can wash into storm drains and local waterways? Taking a few simple precautions during the winter months can help reduce stormwater pollution.
Winter Stormwater Tips
- Dispose of shoveled snow in vegetated areas whenever possible. This allows melting snow to soak into the ground rather than becoming runoff.
- Use salt and de-icing products sparingly. Apply only the amount needed to keep walkways and driveways safe. Avoid spreading salt near waterways, storm drains, or landscaped areas.
- Start shoveling early. Removing snow before it becomes compacted or icy reduces the amount of salt needed.
- Keep storm drains clear. Avoid piling snow over storm drains so melting snow can drain properly and reduce localized flooding.
Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Program
Stormwater management requirements under the Federal Clean Water Act are administered in Pennsylvania through the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Program. The MS4 program helps municipalities reduce pollutants in stormwater runoff and protect the quality of local streams, rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
Resource Links
MIDDLESEX TOWNSHIP COMBINED POLLUTANT REDUCTION PLAN FOR THE CHESAPEAKE BAY BASIN, WERTZ RUN AND HOGESTOWN RUN.
Citizen Complaint Reporting Form
Call 717-249-4409 during business hours (M-F, 8AM to 4PM) if you see unusual colors, suds or mud in out stormwater or if the water has an unusual odor.
You can use the form that can be downloaded here to report pollution in stormwater. Email the completed form to MS4Coordinator@middlesextwp.com, or deliver completed to the Township Building @ 350 North Middlesex Road, Carlisle, PA 17013
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