Welcome to the Town of Groton, Connecticut

Stormwater / MS4

Managing Rain -- or "Stormwater" -- Runoff
 
Storm drain - outfall - surface waterStormwater is the rainfall or snowmelt which results from precipitation. Years ago, when rain or snow fell it would be absorbed slowly into the ground. This natural filtration is best for our eco-system. But now, hard surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, roofs, and streets prevent infiltration. This creates stormwater "run-off" and is why communities have storm sewer systems. Catch basins, underground pipes, and outfalls manage rain & snow by moving it elsewhere. Storm drains keep roads safe and help prevent flooding but can also create problems. 

As rain and snow flows to storm drains-- it picks up debris, dirt or "sediment," motor oil, animal droppings, soap, fertilizer, pesticides, and other contaminants. This polluted water enters sewers and exits pipes untreated via "outfalls." Too much pollution can make people sick if it reaches surface waters used for swimming or fishing. Impaired waters also hurt plants and animals. Finally, all local water eventually makes its way to Long Island Sound, an important tidal estuary. Please help Groton improve our water quality. Residents and business are key to reducing "non-point-source" pollution, i.e. little amounts from many sources. Check-out Groton's "Clean Water Ways" show to learn more, visit the authoritative EPA website "How's My Waterway," or contact Michelle Maitland in Public Works 860-494-4544 mmaitland@groton-ct.gov.

How Groton Manages its Stormwater  *"MS4" is short for CT DEEP's "municipal separate storm sewer system" permit. The word "separate" differentiates storm sewers from sanitary sewers (for wastewater or sewage) and from combined sewers. DEEP is CT's Dept. of Energy & Environmental Protection. The MS4 is part of the US EPA National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, or NPDES.  
  

"Illicit Discharges" to Storm Drains (Illegal Dumping or Accidental Releases)  Give Input on Groton Stormwater Changes
More Stormwater Resources  Educational Resources for Children