City of Benwood, Storm Water Management

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Benwood Storm Water Management

What is Storm Water

Storm water is pure rainwater and anything the rain carries along with it. In urban areas, rain that falls on the roof of your house, or collects on paved areas like driveways, roads and footpaths and is carried away through a system of pipes that are separate from the sewage system. Storm water is not treated like sewage. In some cases it is filtered through traps, usually located at the end of the pipe system, but it still flows directly from streets and gutters into our rivers, the harbor and the ocean. Straight from your street to waterways inhabited by fish, frogs and other aquatic animals and plants.

Why Manage It?

If you live near a waterway or often spend time in or near the water you are probably familiar with what happens after rain. Polluted storm water spreading out into the surrounding clean water can be clearly seen because of a muddy color and often carries litter with it. You may be advised not to swim for a couple of days, because the pollution carried along with the rainwater may pose a significant health risk.

Storm water pollution can be controlled if everyone plays a part in managing the drains in the streets where they live and work. If you look after your local drains, you can dramatically improve what happens in the harbors, on the beaches and in the rivers. The most effective way to reduce storm water pollution is to stop the pollution from entering the system in the first place.

What Causes Storm Water Pollution?

Storm water runoff is excess water that can not be absorbed, or that flows off impervious areas such as streets, parking lots, roofs and other hard surfaces. This runoff enters Benwood's storm water drainage system, where it is carried to the Ohio River. Along the way, storm water runoff picks up anything in its path including oil from cars, fertilizers, litter, pet waste, and sediment and carries it to the streams and rivers in your backyard. These pollutants can harm plant and animal life. In addition, this runoff can cause erosion, flooding, and property damage if not properly managed.

Do's and Don'ts

Do

Don't

Install a Rain Barrel to Capture and Reuse Runoff
Install a Rain Garden to Help Slow Down Runoff
Install Permeable Pavers
Take Your Car to a Professional Service Location
Properly Maintain Your Vehicle and Clean Up Spills
Properly Dispose of Your Pet's Waste in Your Yard and Community
Practice Proper Yard Care
Remember: Only Rain can go Down the Drain

Turn Your Downspouts into the Street
Overuse Turf
Overuse Asphalt for Yard Paths
Wash Your Car in the Driveway
Let Vehicle Maintenance Chemicals Spill in Your Driveway
Ignore Pet Waste
Overuse Yard Maintenance Chemicals
Litter

City of Benwood Storm Water Report Line

(304) 232-4320

Please call if you notice any of the following:

Problems with catch basins or curb boxes, located in the streets and alleys, that are in need of repair.
Illegal dumping of any substance down a catch basin, curb drain along the streets, drainage ditch or stream. Remember, "Only rain can go down the drain".
Water leaving a storm water outlet pipe during dry weather. This can indicate an incorrect drainage connection.
Street flooding.
General questions on the City of Benwood Storm Water Program.

The following links provide access to more information about Storm Water Management:

DEP NPDES

Storm Water 937

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