Stormwater Information

Christina Watersheds Municipal Partnership is a group of municipal and non-profit partners focused on developing strategies to address stormwater pollution in the Brandywine-Christina watersheds of Chester County.  On this website, you will find information on Public Resources, Partner Resources, Meetings & Workshops, and Learn How to Report Emergency Environmental Issues and Complaints.  Click here for a host of other interesting information to help protect our environment.

White Clay Creek National Wild & Scenic River

Catch the Rain Rebate Program

Stormwater washing off land is the largest source of pollution to the White Clay Creek. Almost all of the rain falling on roofs, driveways, roads, parking lots, mowed lawns, and patios ends up as stormwater runoff.

In contrast, rain falling on forests and meadows gradually soaks into the sponge-like soils; pollutants are filtered out, groundwater is replenished, and stream water swings between flood and drought levels are evened out, preserving more constant stream flows and protecting aquatic life.

Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) practices can help capture, detain, and infiltrate rain, mimicking natural ecosystems. GSI systems are proven to simulate natural soil filtering and reduce stormwater volumes and speeds.

Your green lawn is not so green; in fact, mowed lawns shed almost as much rain (~90%) as paved surfaces (100%)! Smaller lawns also cut down on mowing and fertilizer/pesticide applications.

Well managed GSI projects also enhance community beauty, increase property values (5% or more), and provide vital habitat for birds and pollinators.

The Catch the Rain invites White Clay watershed homeowners to learn more about green stormwater projects through on site property visits. During your site visit we will explain simple practices you can undertake to improve water quality in your neighborhood and explain how you can apply for rebates to install these Green Stormwater Infrastructure practices including:

rain barrels,

rain gardens,

pervious paving retrofits or removal of existing paving,

conservation landscape plantings,

and canopy tree plantings.

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CATCH THE RAIN?

If you are interested in attending an upcoming workshop please contact Shane Morgan at mpc@whiteclay.org with the subject heading Catch the Rain and please include your name, address, and contact information in the body of the email.

Stormwater Information

What is Stormwater and Why is it a Problem? 

Stormwater is rainfall that runs off of roofs, driveways, lawns, roads, parking lots, sidewalks, farm fields, and other surfaces created or disturbed by manmade activities. This runoff picks up pollutants (such as dirt, oil, litter, pesticides, fertilizer, etc.) as it flows across these surfaces, and eventually enters local streams. 

While Rainfall is Natural, Stormwater is Man-Made

Large volumes of stormwater overwhelm, erode and pollute local streams, and flood low lying areas. To lessen these destructive stormwater impacts and help ensure any existing problems do not worsen, municipalities across Chester County have adopted new stormwater management ordinance standards. These new standards are a key tool in reducing these stormwater impacts, safeguarding properties from flooding and erosion, and protecting streams and local water quality. 

Stormwater Management Ordinance

As of December 18th, 2013, any previous version of Chapter 19 of the Franklin Township Code of Ordinances is hereby repealed in its entirety. This Chapter has been replaced with a new version entitled "Chapter 19: Stormwater Management", which amends certain provisions pertaining to stormwater within the Franklin Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance and Zoning Ordinance. Chapter 19 of the Franklin Township Code of Ordinances, amended and enacted on 12/18/2013

Please Do Not Rake Your Leaves and Yard Waste Into the Street! 

Although you may see a street sweeper cleaning the streets around the Township, the Township does not pick up grass clippings and leaves for residents. It is the responsibility of each individual homeowner to dispose of their own grass clippings and leaves and not put them in the street or on top of stormwater inlets. Click here for more information and education regarding Township resident's responsibilities for their grass clippings and leaves.

Rain Barrels Benefit the Environment

Rain barrels benefit the environment by:

• Decreasing the amount of stormwater runoff, thus helping to keep our creeks clean

• Providing an alternative water source during periods of dry weather

• Helping to maintain a healthy biotic community in the soil, by reducing the need to water plants with chlorine-treated water

• Reducing the demand for treated water