On the Pathway to Long Island Sound

It is a Fact, All Stormwater Runoff in Norwalk Eventually Makes it to Long Island Sound.

Why is That a Big Deal?

As stormwater flows over driveways, lawns, and sidewalks, it picks up trash & debris, chemicals, dirt, and other pollutants, and most of it empties into the stormwater drainage system. The stormwater drainage system is a network of catch basins and pipes that convey stormwater to a discharge point.

A grate on a typical catchbasin.

catch basin 2

Stormwater Does Not Get Treated

Anything that enters the stormwater drainage system is discharged untreated into the streams, rivers and harbors we use for swimming, fishing, and providing drinking water.

Stormwater runoff is also called non-point source pollution.

"What Can I Do?"

Explore the details of these common-sense actions:

  • Don't dump anything down a catchbasin.
  • If you have an on-site septic system, maintain it properly.
  • If your home is adjacent to a stream or river, keep a vegetated buffer.
  • Pick up after your pet; deal with pet waste.
  • Utilize your community's Household Hazardous Waste Collection day and recycling opportunities.
  • Compost yard waste, don't sweep it into stormdrains.
  • Wash your car at a commercial car wash or on a permeable surface.
  • Learn more about stormwater means and how you can take simple positive actions to make our stormwater cleaner in this brochure co-produced by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) & The Weather Channel (TWC).

if it is ON the GROUND, it is IN the SOUND