Stormwater Management

Precipitation from rain or melting snow that flows over the ground creates stormwater runoff. Surfaces like streets, driveways, and sidewalks prevent runoff from being absorbed into the ground. Stormwater runoff flows into storm drains or directly into bodies of water.

Stormwater runoff can pick up chemicals, debris, dirt and other pollutants that will contaminate our water. It is a common misconception among residents that stormwater is treated before it reaches the waterways. This assumption is false, and everything picked up by the runoff empties into our natural waterways.

By practicing healthy household habits, residents can limit the pollution dumped into our storm drains, which empty into the waterways. Use fertilizers sparingly and sweep up driveways, sidewalks, and roads.

 Things You Can Do to Prevent Stormwater Runoff Pollution 

  1. Use fertilizers sparingly and sweep up driveways, sidewalks, and gutters.
  2. Never dump anything down storm drains or in streams.
  3. Vegetate bare spots in your yard.
  4. Compost your yard waste.
  5. Use least toxic pesticides, follow labels, and learn how to prevent pest problems.
  6. Direct downspouts away from paved surfaces; consider a rain garden to capture runoff.
  7. Take your car to the car wash instead of washing it in the driveway.
  8. Check your car for leaks and recycle your motor oil.
  9. Pick up after your pet.
  10. Have your septic tank pumped and system inspected regularly.

NPDES MS4 Program

As part of the Clean Water Act, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) has developed stormwater management regulations to improve water quality.  The Township was required to apply for a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit for its Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4), which is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.  This permit is part of a 5-year program, which began in March 2003.  Any municipality with a population of at least 5,000, including counties, must comply with the program

The MS4 program is designed to literally "manage" stormwater, both by protecting storm water quality and by preventing high volumes of runoff from causing flooding in developed areas.  Montgomery Township must also track the progress towards the goals of their permit and report our progress to the PA DEP on an annual basis.  The MS4 program is broken up into six control measures, which includes: Public Education and Outreach on Stormwater Impacts, Public Involvement and Participation, Illicit Discharge Detection & Elimination, Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control, Post-Construction Storm Water Management in New Development and Redevelopment, and Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations.

MS4 Program Overview

MS4 Control Measures

Montgomery County's Water Resources Plan

The water cycle is a natural process that is profoundly affected by people and development. Over the past few decades, the human impact on water has been recognized and addressed with various regulations, including requirements for storm water control, discharges into streams, and withdrawals from groundwater supplies. In addition, substantial public and private investment has successfully been made to improve water. Nevertheless, the county still experiences flooding, water shortages, and pollution in some locations. The Water Resources Plan shows how government, developers, businesses, and resident can work together to better manage water resources. The plan focuses on providing adequate supply of water, improving water quality and reducing water pollution, limiting the impact of flooding, and promoting better storm water management practices. Overall, this plan, if fully implemented, will create a more harmonious relationship between county residents, businesses, and the natural water cycle that affects everyone.
https://www.montcopa.org/1093/Water-Resources-Plan

Stormwater Educational Information

Homeowners Guide to Stormwater Management

After the Storm

When it Rains it Drains Brochure

Naturalized Basins

For information regarding naturalized basins, please click here.

Please click here for the updated Naturalized Basin List (updated July 2017) 

Additional Links

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 

Pennsylvania DEP Stormwater Management  

Center for Watershed Protection 

Montgomery County Conservation District

Montgomery County Planning Commission 

Wissahickon Watershed Valley Association 

Little Neshaminy Creek River Conservation Plan 

Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, Inc.