Clean Stormwater Initiative

WHAT IS STORMWATER AND WHY IS IT A PROBLEM?
Stormwater runoff is one of the most significant sources of pollution according to the U.S Environmental Protection Agency. Stormwater is rain that falls on 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. This untreated water is then discharged into the waterbodies we use for swimming, fishing and drinking water. 

WHAT IS THE CLEAN STORMWATER INITIATIVE & WHY ARE WE DOING IT?
The 2016 Massachusetts Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) General Permit was signed April 4th, 2016 and became effective July 1st, 2018. This program introduces participants to municipal obligations under the Federal Clean Water Act as well as state DEP requirements. Proper management of stormwater is of great importance in order to minimize the entry of pollutants to the storm system and ultimately protect the integrity of our water resources. The City of Waltham launched the clean stormwater initiative to proactively manage stormwater pollution prevention. Our main goal is to start making residents more aware of the stormwater pollution problem & give them tips on measures they can take to help prevent stormwater pollution. See our Stormwater Management Plan and other resources attached on the left.

BE THE SOLUTION TO STORMWATER POLLUTION!