When rain falls or snow melts, the runoff either seeps into the ground, gets evaporated into the air, or flows into our rivers and streams. Excess runoff from storm events can carry pollution to our local waterways and can increase flooding and erosion.
All those who live in the watershed, including municipalities, residents, developers, farmers, wastewater plants, and industrial sites all have a role in managing stormwater runoff.
Pennsylvania has a long history of protecting water quality, dating back to 1937 with the passage of the Clean Streams Law (Chapter 91). Many elements of the federal Clean Water Act, passed in 1972, were already part of Pennsylvania’s law; when the state assumed authority to implement various elements of the federal statute, it was done by adding to the state’s Clean Streams Law.
Click a link below to learn more about regulations for specific groups:
