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Stormwater

The Borough operates under a permit for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4 permit) and supports all activities that promote clean water, water conservation and rainwater harvesting.

Please promptly report any stormwater pollution observed within the borough to the borough office at 215-757-5152. 

Your Watersheds

Much of Penndel Borough drains to the Neshaminy Creek, but the northeast quadrant of the Borough drains to the Delaware River.

Stormwater Runoff

Stormwater runoff is generated when precipitation from rain and snowmelt events flows over land or impervious surfaces and does not percolate into the ground. As the runoff flows over the land or impervious surfaces (paved streets, parking lots, and building rooftops), it accumulates debris, chemicals, sediment or other pollutants that could adversely affect water quality if the runoff is discharged untreated

Because stormwater runoff is generated from dispersed land surfaces—pavements, yards, driveways, and roofs—efforts to control stormwater pollution must consider individual, household, and public behaviors and activities that can generate pollution from these surfaces.  These common individual behaviors have the potential to generate stormwater pollution:

  • littering
  • disposing of trash and recyclables
  • disposing of pet-waste
  • applying lawn-chemicals
  • washing cars,
  • changing motor-oil on impervious driveways
  • household behaviors like disposing leftover paint and household chemicals

It takes individual behavior change and proper practices to control such pollution

How Can You Help?

Rain Barrels  

Fact: 1″ of rainfall on a 1000 sq. ft. roof will produce 600 gallons of rainwater.

What is a rain barrel?

A rain barrel or cistern is a rainwater collection system that stores
rooftop runoff to be used later for activities such as lawn and garden
watering, car washing, and even window cleaning.    

Why use a rain barrel?

Residential irrigation can account for 40% of domestic water consumption in a given area. This can be a problem particularly in summer, when the majority of outdoor water use occurs, and also the time when there is likely to be a water shortage. Collecting rainwater from your roof during storms by using a rain barrel can not only lower your water bills, but also help to decrease water demand during the hot summer months.  Rainwater collection and reuse is beneficial to the environment because the stored water would otherwise run off into the storm sewers, bringing pollutants such as oil and grease, bacteria, and nutrients with it. Once water gets into a storm sewer, it eventually ends up in our streams and rivers. Also, the more rainwater that is reused, the less need there is for chlorinated or chemically treated tap water.

Where can I get one?

You can purchase a rain barrel at most major lawn and garden centers. Call your local center to see if they carry them or can order a rain barrel for you.  Or, if you are feeling especially creative, you can make your own rain barrel using a large trashcan, agricultural supply container, or other large container and a little ingenuity.

Swimming Pools

If you have a pool in your yard, please review the DEP Swimming Pool Water Discharge Guidelines for information on proper pool maintenance procedures.

Vehicle and Garage

  • Use a commercial car wash or wash your car on a lawn or other unpaved surface to minimize the amount of dirty, soapy water flowing into the storm drain and eventually into your local waterbody.
  • Check your car, boat, motorcycle, and other machinery and equipment for leaks and spills. Make repairs as soon as possible. Clean up spilled fluids with an absorbent material like kitty litter or sand, and don’t rinse the spills into a nearby storm drain. Remember to properly dispose of the absorbent material.
  • Recycle used oil and other automotive fluids at participating service stations. Don’t dump these chemicals down the storm drain or dispose of them in your trash.

Lawn and Garden

  • Pickup for yard waste begins on April 15.
  • Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly. When use is necessary, use these chemicals in the recommended amounts. Avoid application if the forecast calls for rain; otherwise, chemicals will be washed into your local stream.
  • Select native plants and grasses that are drought- and pest resistant.  Native plants require less water, fertilizer, and pesticides.
  • Sweep up yard debris, rather than hosing down areas. Compost or recycle yard waste when possible.
  • Don’t overwater your lawn. Water during the cool times of the day, and don’t let water run off into the storm drain.
  • Cover piles of dirt and mulch being used in landscaping projects to prevent these pollutants from blowing or washing off your yard and into local waterbodies.
  • Vegetate bare spots in your yard to prevent soil erosion.

Adopt an Inlet

Penndel Borough has for years encouraged residents to adopt a fire hydrant and clear a path in the snow so firefighters can access the hydrants in an emergency.

This year the Borough is also asking residents to “Adopt-An-Inlet.” We ask that residents who may have a street or rear-yard stormwater inlet to make sure they also are cleaned off and unobstructed. Many flooding situations are directly related to stormwater inlets becoming covered with leaves, grass, and debris. Once the debris—or snow—is cleared, the inlets can drain properly.

This also reduces amount of debris and sediment that enters the inlets, reducing stormwater pollution.

Thank you in advance for being a good neighbor and keeping inlets near your home clear.

Watershed links

Bucks County Conservation District – https://www.bucksccd.org/

Delaware Riverkeeper –  https://www.delawareriverkeeper.org/

DEP brochure on rain barrels and rain gardens: Rain Gardens and Rain Barrels

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