About Stormwater Management

What Is It?

Stormwater Management

Stormwater management is the practice of controlling rainwater runoff and melted snow to prevent flooding, erosion, and water pollution. Stormwater naturally soaks into the ground, evaporates, or flows into drainage basins that lead to creeks and streams. However, when left unmanaged, it can carry harmful pollutants into waterways—especially concerning in areas like ours, where most residents rely on private wells for drinking water. Effective stormwater management is essential to protecting both environmental and human health. It helps maintain water quality in the Brandywine watershed and safeguards local habitats and infrastructure. Common management methods include best practices such as retention ponds, green infrastructure, permeable surfaces, and the use of storm drains and engineered systems. Natural solutions, like vegetation and healthy soil, also play a vital role by absorbing and filtering runoff. Together, these strategies form a comprehensive plan to manage stormwater responsibly and sustainably.

Fun Fact: Just one inch of rain on a paved acre can create 27,000 gallons of runoff—enough to fill a swimming pool!

When to Contact Us

You should reach out if you notice:

  • 🌧️ Flooding on your property or street after rain

  • 🌱 Erosion or sinkholes in your yard or near storm drains

  • 🚫 Clogged or damaged storm drains or culverts

  • 🏗️ Construction or landscaping projects that may affect water flow

  • ⚠️ Pollutants (like oil, chemicals, or trash) entering storm drains

  • 🦟 Standing water that doesn’t drain and may attract mosquitoes

  • 📋 Questions about stormwater plans for your property or development

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Fun Fact: Plants in rain gardens can absorb and filter up to 90% of stormwater runoff, helping keep pollutants out of nearby streams!

Stormwater Incentive Programs

What Are Stormwater Incentive Programs?

Stormwater incentives are designed to encourage private property owners to implement effective stormwater management practices by offering financial and development-based benefits. These programs help reduce runoff, improve water quality, and can also lower your stormwater fees.

The Programs:

🌟 Stormwater Credits

The Stormwater Credits Program allows non-residential property owners to reduce their monthly stormwater bill by installing and maintaining approved stormwater management practices.

💸 Stormwater Grants

Stormwater Grants provide funding to non-residential property owners who want to design and build retrofit projects that manage stormwater on-site. These projects can also make the property eligible for ongoing Stormwater Credits.

🏡 Rain Check Program

Rain Check is the main incentive for residential property owners. It offers free or discounted rain barrels, planters, and other green infrastructure tools to help manage stormwater at home.

🏗️ Development Incentives

Development Incentives, such as the Developer ROW Incentive, are available for projects undergoing development or redevelopment. These programs provide financial or zoning benefits for managing additional runoff areas within a stormwater project.

For more information about Stormwater Incentive Programs click the button below to visit the Philadelphia Water Department website