Stormwater

The EPA’s annual Stormwater Reports by town (PDF): Arlington, Belmont, Watertown

2012 EPA report (PDF) summarizing regional stormwater approaches

Proposed New MS4 Stormwater Permit: (proposed Sept 2014, expected promulgation by the end of 2015):

Municipal Annual Reports to EPA on compliance activities under their 2003 MS4 permits: (scroll down to see the reports for each city or town)

Belmont Stormwater Fact Sheet (handout from September 10 2015 “Water Trouble” forum)

Extensive list of stormwater-related resources for the New England states

Stormwater, Green Infrastructure and LID Resources

Mystic River Clean Water Campaign

Stormwater Management Resources

The Mystic River Watershed Association suggests these 10 simple things that you can do to help reduce water pollution in your municipality:

1. Don’t litter: litter ends up in sewers, or in rivers and streams.

2. Practice organic lawn care: minimize the use of fertilizers and pesticides, especially where run-off may occur.

3. Conserve water: excess water in the sewage system can lead to sewage overflows into our waterways.

4. Always pick up pet waste, especially along riverbanks. Pet waste contains harmful bacteria that contaminate the rivers.

5. Use rain barrels to capture rainfall to use on your lawn or garden.

6. Never dump anything down storm drains—it drains directly to local waterways.

7. Use non-toxic products whenever possible. Carefully store and dispose of household cleaners, chemicals, and oils.

8. Take your car to the carwash instead of washing it in the driveway, where the suds will likely drain into a storm drain.

9. Maintain clean, well-swept driveways, sidewalks, and roads to avoid debris entering storm drains.

10. Share your knowledge with others!