Stormwater
The City of Sumter developed a stormwater management program in effort to reduce stormwater pollution. The program is intended to address the requirements of the South Carolina General Permit for Discharges from Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (SMS4s) mandated by the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services.
What is stormwater?
Stormwater is rain and melting precipitation that runs off roofs, driveways, streets, and yards. It doesn't soak into the ground. Instead, it flows into ditches, pipes, and storm drains, and from there into our creeks, swamps, and rivers. It is not treated before it gets there. Anything it picks up along the way, such as oil, fertilizer, pet waste, grass clippings, and trash, ends up in local waterways.
Why is stormwater a problem?
If stormwater is not managed properly pollution can cause the following items:
- Contaminate our waters
- Harm local businesses
- Harm or kill fish and other wildlife
- Harm or destroy habitat for wildlife
- Increased risk of flooding as the ground is unable to soak up the water
How can you help?
Sweep grass clippings and leaves back onto your lawn, not into the street.
- Use fertilizer and pesticides sparingly, and never before a heavy rain.
- Pick up pet waste.
- Wash your car on the lawn or at a car wash, not on the driveway.
- Fix vehicle leaks and dispose of motor oil properly.
- Keep storm drains in front of your home free of leaves and trash.
- Direct downspouts onto grass or into a rain barrel instead of onto pavement.
- Never dump anything into a storm drain. Only rain belongs there.
- Support your local stormwater program. Take advantage of opportunities to educate yourself and your family about your local watershed.
Who takes care of what?
| SITUATION | WHO IS GENERALLY RESPONSIBLE? |
|---|---|
| Storm drains, pipes, and ditches in public streets and City right-of-ways | City |
| Street sweeping and clearing City-owned drains | City |
| Ditches, swales, or drains on your own lot | Homeowner |
| Driveway culverts | Homeowner |
| Ponds or basins on private property | Property owner or HOA |
| Erosion from bare soil on your property | Homeowner |
| Illegal dumping into storm drains | Report to City that may lead to enforcement |
| State roads (SCDOT) | SCDOT |
REPORT A PROBLEM
Call or submit a Customer Service Form(opens in a new tab) for:
- Dumping, spills, or discolored or foamy water in a ditch, creek, or storm drain
- A clogged or damaged storm drain in the street
- Flooding or erosion in a public right-of-way
- Muddy runoff leaving a construction site