Stormwater

What is Stormwater?

Stormwater is rain and melted snow that runs off the roofs, lawns or paved areas, like driveways and roads and is carried away by a system of stormwater pipes or culverts and ditches. As it flows over the land surface, stormwater picks up or is contaminated by debris, chemicals, dirt and other pollutants. These pollutants then flow into a storm sewer system or directly to a lake, river, wetland, and eventually, Long Island Sound.

Why Should I Care?

Anything that enters a storm drain system is discharged untreated into the waterbodies we use for swimming, boating and fishing! According to the EPA, stormwater pollution is one of the most significant sources of water pollution today. Contaminated or polluted stormwater can lead to serious water quality problems.

Report Illegal Dumping?

Most catch basins connect to storm drains that discharge the runoff without treatment to the nearest water body, such as the Thames River. The dumping of any material such as motor oil, paint, leaves, yard clippings, pet waste, sand, etc. into a catch basin can pollute the waterways and is illegal.