What is Stormwater?

Stormwater is water which runs off of impervious surfaces such as rooftops, driveways and roadways during and after a storm. This water enters into the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4), which ultimately ends up in the Waters of the Commonwealth.

Why Should I Care About Stormwater?

If proper stormwater management isn’t practiced, pollutants such as dog waste, fertilizer, trash, and motor vehicle fluids can be picked up by stormwater and carried into wetlands, waterbodies and into the groundwater. This water is used every day for drinking, bathing, cooking, fishing and swimming.

Good Stormwater Management Practices:

• Minimize fertilizer use

• Pick up after pets

• Wash your car at a car wash

• Keep your car well maintained to prevent leaks

• Never put anything down a storm drain and clean debris away from storm drains so they can function as designed

Benefits of Proper Stormwater Management:

• Protects fish and wildlife

• Minimizes eutrophication

• Protects human health

• Lowers cost of treating water for human consumption

• Increased property values near bodies of water

• Protects recreational waters such as lakes and oceans

Helpful links:

https://www.thinkbluemassachusetts.org/

https://www.mass.gov/service-details/stormwater

https://www.epa.gov/npdes-permits/massachusetts-npdes-permits

https://www.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater-discharges-municipal-sources