Storm Water
Managing Our Rainwater Runoff
Rainwater (or stormwater) runoff is defined as rainfall or snowmelt that flows over the ground. Paved surfaces like driveways, sidewalks and streets prevent rainwater from naturally soaking into the ground. Rainwater can pick up debris, dirt, motor oils, animal droppings, soaps, fertilizers, pesticides, and other pollutants. These pollutants then flow into a storm sewer system or directly to a lake, river, wetland, and eventually, Long Island Sound. Anything that enters a storm sewer system is discharged untreated into the waterbodies we use for swimming, fishing, and providing drinking water. Below are some links to information about how the Town manages our rainwater runoff.
Below are some additional links to educational information concerning rainwater runoff and ways you as a citizen can prevent pollution.
After the Storm – A Citizens Guide to Understanding Stormwater
A Message From Droplet (short educational Stormwater video)
We All Live Downstream (short educational Stormwater video)
Visit these web sites for more information about stormwater runoff:
Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
US Environmental Protection Agency
Long Island Sound Study
Explore Long Island Sound
Link to educational resources for children:
Exploring Estuaries
EPA Nonpoint Runoff Page for Kids
