Stormwater

What do we mean by stormwater?

Stormwater is water that comes from precipitation like snow and rain that flows across the ground and pavement. This includes snow and ice melt which is called stormwater runoff.

Where does this stormwater go?

Stormwater either seeps through the ground or drains into storm sewers. Storm sewer drains are located on street corners or low points along the curb, and are connected underground by pipes which lead directly to our local streams.

Why should I be concerned about stormwater?

Stormwater becomes an issue when it picks up chemicals, dirt, debris, and other pollutants as it flows. Along with the stormwater runoff, these pollutants go directly into our local streams.

How do I become part of the solution?

  1. Never dump anything down a storm drain.
  2. Pick up any trash you see, don’t be a litterbug.
  3. Pick up after your pet.
  4. Use a commercial car wash, or wash your car on the lawn so the water goes into the dirt and not into the storm sewer drains.
  5. Minimize use of fertilizers and pesticides.
  6. Report any stormwater problems, dumping incidents, stream irregularities, etc. (see Important Phone Numbers below).


Important Phone Numbers

DEP 24 Hour Water Quality Hotline

484-250-5900

Call anytime, including evenings and weekends

DEP Water Quality Complaints (Weekdays)

484-250-5991

Weekdays 8:30am to 4:30pm

Off Site discharge of sediment,erosion, and other improper controls during construction.

Delaware Co. Conservation District:

610-892-9484

Send photo, full address, and directions

Clogged or leaking sanitary sewer lines; sewage smell in creek; illegal discharges into creeks or storm drains.

Lower Chichester Township

610-485-1472 Weekdays
After Hours: Call 911

Fish Kills

PA Fish and Boat Commission 

717-626-0228

DEP 24 Hour Water Quality Hotline 484-250-5900

Dry weather outfall flows

Lower Chichester Township

610-485-1472 Weekdays

Broken water mains

Chester Water Authority 

610-876-8181

24 Hours

 Broken water mains

Aqua Pennsylvania

610-525-1402

24 Hours

Educational articles and resources for residents

Fertilizer Information Flyer

Green Guide to Clean Water for Residents

Keep Car Washing from Harming Our Streams

When It Rains Pamphlet

Winter De-Icing Tips for Residents

Important Web Link Resources

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Links

Main Page 

Stormwater Management 

 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Links

P.A. Main Page 

NPDES Public Education and Outreach 

NPDES Permit Program Basics 

NPDES Stormwater Program 

NPDES Stormwater Discharge for MS4s