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Stormwater Management

Stormwater Management and MS4

Help keep our waterways and drinking supplies clean. Be aware of common pollutants and their impacts. Common pollutants consist of herbicides, pet waste, automotive fluids, grass clippings, and other debris that enter storm water systems and ultimately end up ion our water ways. Please practice good household habits for the health of our environment.

Stormwater management is all about controlling the flow of water from rain, melting ice, or snow as it moves across the land. When areas are developed and paved over (think parking lots and buildings), it becomes harder for water to naturally soak into the ground. This increases the amount and speed of runoff, which can lead to a host of problems.

Without proper stormwater management, we risk flooding, erosion, and property damage. Runoff can also carry pollutants like oil, fertilizers, and chemicals from roads and farmland into our waterways, contributing to non-point source pollution. To address these concerns, federal National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) regulations require municipalities in urbanized areas to take action. Municipalities must now secure permits and establish a DEP-approved stormwater management program designed to protect water quality.

These programs need to include public education and involvement, detection of illicit discharges, control of construction site runoff, proper stormwater management after development, and pollution prevention practices for municipal operations.

Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)

A Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) is a conveyance or system of conveyances that is owned by a municipality, designed or used, to collect or convey stormwater.

Keep Our Waterways Clean!

When stormwater flows over driveways, sidewalks, and lawns, it picks up debris, chemicals, and pollutants. This untreated water often flows into storm drains and directly into our lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands—water we rely on for swimming, fishing, and drinking. Polluted runoff is one of the biggest threats to clean water in the United States.

You can make a difference! By adopting simple habits, you can prevent common pollutants like pesticides, pet waste, grass clippings, and automotive fluids from entering stormwater. Share these tips with your neighbors to make an even bigger impact. 

Program Resources - Our Stormwater Program Pages

Helpful Links 

To learn more about Stormwater, follow the links below for external resources:

Watch After The Storm on Comcast Channel 22 and Verizon 31

Watch After the Storm, a half-hour television program about watersheds co-produced by the EPA and The Weather Channel. This program provides a way for citizens to learn more about the threats facing our waterways from polluted runoff. After the Storm is broadcast regularly on channel 22 on Comcast and Verizon channel 31. Download the After the Storm brochure.

Report a Concern 

Stormwater Hotline | 215-348-9915

To report a concern (sinkholes, erosion, debris in inlets, etc.) please call the Stormwater Hotline at 215-348-9915.

For more information about stormwater management and how it impacts our community, visit www.dep.state.pa.us and type "stormwater" into the search box in the top left corner.