The Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Program was administrated through the Federal Clean Water Act (CWA) in 1999. Pennsylvania implemented state regulation of the MS4 permit in 2003. The goal of the MS4 program is to prevent stormwater pollution from entering nearby waterbodies. Municipalities are required through the EPA and PADEP to implement a stormwater management program comprising of six Minimum Control Measures (MCMs) that help with the overall goal.
As part of keeping our waters clean, be aware that every year, as the snow melts, the rain falls, and the water that runs off your yard carries fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides into our creeks, streams, and rivers. These pollutants can harm fish, wildlife, and vegetation and even compromise the rivers that are our major source of drinking water. Learn how you can do your part to protect your loved ones drinking water in this Homeowners Guide to Stormwater BMP Maintenance and this Homeowner’s Guide to Protecting Our Watershed.
Learn how to use rain barrels to reduce the volume of water that needs to be treated through storm drains, minimizing localized flooding and erosion.
Three Rivers Wet Weather lets you see where you are really putting your fertilizer and what you can do to help.
This video explains the problems caused by stormwater pollution and what you can do to reduce it to be Stormwater Smart-PA.