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Stormwater Information

Morganton's stormwater management program aims to reduce pollution that washes from buildings, pavement and other surfaces that are impervious to rainwater. The City works to educate residents through utility bill inserts and other mailings, cable advertisements and the City Web site.

Stormwater: No. 1 Cause of Water Pollution

Did You Know...?

Stormwater is the No. 1 cause of water pollution in North Carolina. When it rains, the rain that runs across our yards and roads into storm drains is called stormwater. Storm drains carry untreated stormwater and whatever the water picks up directly to creeks, lakes and rivers.

Rain Garden at Gene Turner Park

The rain garden at Gene Turner Park was a collaborative effort by the City of Morganton, Carolina Land & Lakes RC&D, Natural Resources Conservation Service and Burke Soil and Water Conservation. The City of Morganton provided the location, labor and equipment for constructing the rain garden. The project was funded by a federal Environmental Protection Agency grant disseminated through separate grants from Burke Soil and Water and Carolina Land and Lakes RC&D.

What cannot enter a storm drain?

Oil, antifreeze, paint, cleaning fluids
Wash water from a commercial car wash
Industrial discharges
Contaminated foundation drains
Cooling water unless no chemicals have been added and proper discharge permits are in place
Wash water from commercial / industrial activities
Sanitary sewer discharges
Septic tank discharges
Washing machine discharges
Chlorinated backwash and draining associated with swimming pools

Ways You Can Help

Never place anything down a storm drain.
Reduce impervious areas so that rain can soak into the ground naturally.
Conserve water.
Use native plants.
Limit the use of fertilizer and never fertilize before a rainstorm.
CLEAN UP AFTER YOUR PETS. Morganton City ordinance requires owners to clean up after their pets on City streets, sidewalks, parks, public parking areas and other public areas.
Wash your car at a commercial car wash or where the water can soak into the ground.
Reduce, recycle and reuse.
Dispose of household hazardous waste properly.

Stormwater FAQ

What is Stormwater?

Stormwater is the flow of water that occurs immediately after rainfall or as a result of snow melt. When it rains, several things can happen to the precipitation. Some of the rain water is absorbed into the ground and some evaporates. The rest of the rain water that runs off land surfaces and impervious areas is Stormwater.

Quick Links

Popular Pages

Stormwater Problems?

To report a sotrmwater issue or violation, please send e-mail the Public Information Officer or the Development and Design Dept, or call 438-5260.

To report a failing sewer, call the Water Resources Dept. at 438-5276 as soon as possible.

Educational Info

icon Stormwater and You
icon Pollution Solutions
icon Educational Poster

Background

The federal Clean Water Act of 1972 focused initially on discharges from sources such as industrial and municipal wastewater treatment plants. Water quality studies have shown that more diffuse sources of pollution are also a problem. In 1987, Congress added requirements for nonagricultural sources of runoff, beginning with the largest cities and certain industries.

Morganton is covered under the second phase of the program, which is called the National Permit Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program.

Visit www.ncstormwater.org

Joshua Harris
Public Information Officer

Phone: 432-2516
E-mail the PIO

The Public Information Office is located on the second floor of City Hall in the Development and Design Dept.

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