Stormwater runoff is water from rain or melting snow that does not soak into the ground.
In a natural environment, stormwater will be filtered by the soil and not pose a threat to the quality of nearby waters. In a developed environment, stormwater can become polluted when it runs over streets, lawns, farms, and construction sites as it picks up pollutants such as dirt, oil, nutrients, sediments, pesticides, and bacteria. If untreated, stormwater can cause water quality impairments when it flows into our lakes and rivers.
Stormwater and the pollutants it may carry can have negative impacts on Manchester’s water bodies, threatening the quality of their use for swimming, fishing, boating and drinking water. Many waterbodies in Manchester have already been listed as having impaired water quality due to high bacteria and nitrogen concentrations. Proper management of stormwater runoff will help ensure these water resources can be enjoyed by future generations.
Stormwater is regulated in the City through Ordinances and Regulations and is managed through the Stormwater Management Program to ensure compliance with several EPA permits.
For more information on stormwater regulations, ordinances, management program and the stormwater resources, click the links on the side bar.
If you have any stormwater-related issues or questions, please contact the EPD Stormwater Department at (603) 621-7735 or email us by clicking on the link below and selecting Stormwater from the subject drop-down:
