What is Stormwater Pollution?
Water from rain and melting snow that flows over lawns, parking lots and streets is known as
stormwater runoff. This water, which travels along gutters, into catch basins and through storm drain
pipes and ditches, usually is not treated, but then flows or is discharged into local waterbodies. Along
the way, the stormwater picks up trash (fast-food wrappers, cigarette butts, styrofoam cups, etc.) and
toxins and other pollutants (gas, motor oil, antifreeze, fertilizers, pesticides and pet droppings). This
polluted stormwater can kill fish and other wildlife, destroy wildlife habitat, contaminate drinking
water sources and force the closing of beaches because of health threats to swimmers.
Human activity is largely responsible for the stormwater pollution. Everything that we put on the
ground or into the storm drain can end up in our water. Each of us has a responsibility to make sure
these contaminants stay out of our water. Whether we have clean water is up to you.
What is Stormwater? INFO
What is a Watershed? INFO
How can you help at a local level? Visit the Township Clean Communities Program.
For more information and to learn what you can do, please reference the NJDEP’s website:
NJDEP| Clean Water NJ | Home
Township Related Stormwater Information:
- Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SPPP)
- Municipal Stormwater Management Plan (MSWMP)
- MS4 Infrastructure Map (pending)
- Watershed Improvement Plan (pending)
Hardyston Township Stormwater Related Ordinances: