Stormwater Division

 

 

What is Stormwater?

Stormwater is rainfall that runs off surfaces instead of soaking into the ground. As it travels over rooftops, roads, parking lots, and yards, it can pick up pollutants such as oil, litter, fertilizers, pet waste, and sediment. This runoff enters storm drains, ditches, and pipes that discharge directly into nearby waterways like Charles Creek and the Pasquotank River, without any treatment.

Because stormwater flows straight to our local waters, anything that goes into a storm drain can affect water quality. Keeping streets and gutters free of pollutants, helps protect our creeks and rivers.

 


Stormwater Management 


The City of Elizabeth City's Stormwater Management Program works to preserve, protect, and restore the quality of water in the streams and rivers within the City of Elizabeth City. The City's Stormwater Management program was developed in compliance with the Federal Clean Water act and the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality to ensure that stormwater is effectively controlled in order to reduce pollution generated from stormwater runoff.
 
The City of Elizabeth City is a federally designated National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II community and operates under the authority of the Stormwater Management Program which became effective in June of 2006 after being drafted into the city's Code of Ordinances and operates as a division of the Public Utilities Department. NPDES Phase II is a federal and state mandated program under the Clean Water Act to address non-point source pollution or stormwater runoff. The City's NPDES Permit consists of six management areas that reduce stormwater pollution and assures clean water is maintained in our city's water bodies:
  • Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
  • Construction Site Runoff Control
  • Post-Construction Runoff Control
  • Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping 
  • Public Education & Outreach
  • Public Involvement & Participation

 


How You Can Help

Small actions can make a lasting difference in protecting local streams, rivers, and neighborhood quality of life.


Every household can help reduce stormwater pollution with small, everyday actions:

·         Store and dispose of paints, cleaners, and chemicals properly.

·         Use fertilizers and pesticides sparingly and never before rain.

·         Place yard waste away from storm drains

·         Wash cars on grass or gravel to limit runoff.

·         Recycle used motor oil and auto fluids at approved collection sites.


Protecting stormwater helps:

·         Reduce flooding

·         Improve water quality

·         Protect wildlife

·         Preserve the natural beauty of our local waterways


  
Stormwater Utility Interactive Map