Managing Rain -- or "Stormwater" -- Runoff

Stormwater 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 -- or contact Michelle Maitland in Public Works 860-494-4544 mmaitland@groton-ct.gov.

How Groton Manages its Stormwater 

• Notice of Coming 2022 MS4 Annual Report :: Availability for Public Comment (Feb 15-March 20)
• Town of Groton Stormwater Management Plan April 1, 2017
• MS4 2021 Annual Report*
• MS4 2021 Annual Report Catchment Ranking Addendum*
• MS4 Outfall Map*
• Catch Basin Cleaning

*"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) 

• How to Report Illicit Discharges
• Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE) Program
• Illicit Stormwater Discharge Ordinance No. 288

Give Input on Groton Stormwater Changes

• Find Planning or Zoning Commission or Inland Wetland Agency Public Mtg. Notices, Agendas, &/or Minutes
• Check on project applications that disturb 1+ acres & do not require land use approval

More Stormwater Resources 

• CT Department of Environmental Protection
• US Environmental Protection Agency
• Long Island Sound Study
• Adapt CT: "Rising Waters" Planning for Flooding in CT (YouTube video)

Educational Resources for Children 

• Educational Materials for Students
• Explore Long Island Sound (LIS) Habitats

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