What is Stormwater?
Stormwater refers to water from rainfall or melting snow that doesn’t seep into the ground but instead flows across surfaces, eventually entering rivers, lakes, or other water bodies. As this runoff moves over land or impermeable surfaces—such as roads, parking areas, and rooftops—it collects debris, chemicals, sediment, and other pollutants, potentially harming the water quality of receiving waterways.
Polluted stormwater runoff can negatively impact lakes, rivers, wetlands, and other aquatic ecosystems in several ways. Sediments carried by runoff may cloud waterways, disrupting habitats for fish and aquatic plants. Excess nutrients, including phosphorus and nitrogen commonly found in fertilizers, encourage harmful algae blooms, which can deplete oxygen in the water and pose risks to aquatic organisms. Additionally, toxic substances from vehicles, soil erosion from construction sites, and improper use of pesticides and herbicides threaten aquatic life and overall ecosystem health. Runoff containing bacteria from human and animal waste can also contaminate lakes and streams, making them unsafe for recreational activities such as swimming or fishing.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that stormwater runoff from urban, suburban, and construction areas affects half of the impaired waterways they studied. As a result, stormwater management—particularly in urbanized regions—is a critical area of focus in ongoing efforts to reduce water pollution.
For more information on Stormwater, please click the links below:
Water Cycle Glossary of Terms
DEC Stormwater Homepage
US EPA Stormwater Homepage
Stormwater Brochure
For Stormwater complaints please contact:
Phone: 845.986.1124 Ext/ 258
Email: building@townofwarwick.org
Town of Warwick Annual MS4 Reports:
MS4 Annual Report
MS4 Operator Certification Form for eReports
Please Click Here to e-mail us with any questions or concerns regarding our Annual MS4 Report.