Show All Answers

1. Why does stormwater matter to me?

Stormwater matters to everyone due to the risks associated with pollution and flooding.

Pollution of stormwater occurs when illicit discharges containing toxic and hazardous materials are disposed of into the storm sewer system. Because stormwater is not treated, these toxic and hazardous materials make their way into various bodies of water throughout the area. The addition of these materials can harm wildlife and destroy habitats for various organisms.

Flooding occurs during especially heavy rains when the storm sewer system cannot the excess surface water runoff flowing to the drains. This can cause overflowing of the systems, which can cause flooding of roads.

2. What is an illicit discharge?

An illicit discharge is a discharge into the storm sewer system that is not entirely composed of stormwater. According to State College Borough Code of Ordinances Ch. XIV Sec. 211.m., non-stormwater discharges which may be allowed to the Borough's separate storm sewer system include:

1. Discharges from firefighting activities;
2. Potable water sources including dechlorinated water line and fire hydrant flushing.
3. Irrigation drainage;
4. Routing external building wash-down (which does not use detergents or other compounds);
5. Air conditioning condensate;
6. Water from individual residential car washing;
7. Springs;
8. Water from crawl space pumps;
9. Uncontaminated water from a foundation or from footing drains;
10. Flows from riparian habitats and wetlands;
11. Lawn watering;
12. Pavement wash waters where spills or leaks of toxic or hazardous materials have not occurred (unless all spilled material has been removed) and where detergents have not been used;
13. Dechlorinated swimming pool discharges;
14. Uncontaminated groundwater.
15. Diverted stream flow;
16. Uncontaminated pumped groundwater.

3. What is Stormwater?

Stormwater is the natural source of fresh water that originates during precipitation events. When it lands on the ground, it infiltrates and recharges the aquifers that we get our drinking water from and rehydrates the plants and animals that make up our food. Find out more about stormwater...