Stormwater Awareness

Storm water is water from precipitation that flows across the ground and pavements when it rains or when snow and ice melt. The water seeps into the ground or drains into what we call storm sewers. These are the drains you see at street corners or at low points on the sides of streets. Collectively, the draining water is called storm water runoff.

Storm water becomes a problem when it picks up debris, chemicals, dirt, and other pollutants as it flows or when it causes flooding and erosion to stream banks. Storm water travels through a system of pipes and roadside ditches that make up storm sewer systems. It eventually flows directly to a lake, river, stream, wetland, or coastal water. All of the pollutants storm water carries along the way empty into our waters, too, because storm water does not get treated!

Tullytown Borough is preventing storm water pollution through a storm water management program. This program addresses storm water pollution from construction, new development, illegal dumping to the storm sewer system, and pollution prevention and good housekeeping practices in municipal operations. It will also continue to educate the community and get everyone involved in making sure the only thing that storm water contributes to our water is… water.

Storm Drain Awareness

Anything that goes into our storm drains goes directly into our streams and rivers. Do not allow wastewater from washing automobiles to flow into the street. Use a commercial car wash or wash your car on the grass. The detergents that flow into our streams could do damage to our waterways.

Keep storm drains working properly by not putting grass clippings or leaves into the streets. Do not allow small limbs, trash, bottles or cans to accumulate on the roadways, as these will block our drainage systems. If you see a blocked drain, please call and report it.

Call Tullytown Street Department at 215-945-7292 and our personnel will come out and clear away the debris. Be aware of the drains on your street. We can all prevent excess flooding.

Illicit Discharges

An illicit discharge is any discharge to the storm sewer system that is not composed entirely of stormwater. A few exceptions to this rule include: firefighting activities, landscape irrigation, foundation drains, and water from crawl space pumps.

Sources of illicit discharge include but are not limited to:

• Sanitary wastewater
• Failing septic systems
• Improper oil disposal
• Radiator flushing disposal
• Spills from roadway accidents
• Improper disposal of toxics
• Improper use of pesticides and herbicides

Illicit discharges enter the system either through direct connections (deliberate pipe hookups to the storm drain system) or indirect connections (spills collected by drain outlets, or deliberate dumping down the storm drain). These illicit discharges drain directly to the creeks and streams and may be loaded with large amounts of harmful and toxic substances.

If you notice illicit discharges, please report them to the Tullytown Street Department at 215-945-7292.

Volunteer Opportunities

You Can Help Manage Stormwater By Volunteering:

• Stencil storm drains with warnings about dumping.
• Participate in a stream or creek cleanup in the Borough.
• Plant trees along a pond, stream or creek.
• Organize a neighborhood or watershed pollution watch.
• Join “Storm Patrol” program to monitor inlets in your neighborhood.

* If you are interested in volunteering contact the Borough at 215-945-1560.

Useful Links

• DEP Groundwater Protection
• DEP Waterways, Wetlands and Erosion Control
• After the Storm
• 10 Things to Prevent Stormwater Runoff Pollution
• DEP Southeast Regional Office
• Bucks County Conservation District
• Stormwater: Best Practices for Homeowners (by HomeAdvisor)