Stormwater Program

 

Click on the image below to learn more about the water cycle.

 
What Is Stormwater?
  • Stormwater, or stormwater runoff, is simply rainfall (or snow melt) that flows across land surfaces into our creeks and rivers.
  • When it rains, some water infiltrates (soaks) into the ground, where it may be taken up by plants and trees. As plants and trees transpire ("breathe"), water evaporates back into the atmosphere (air) through a process called transpiration.
  • Some water evaporates after reaching creeks, rivers, ponds, lakes and oceans.
  • Water infiltrating the ground that is not taken up by trees and plants recharges local groundwater.
 
Why Should You Care?
  • When stormwater runoff flows across land, it often picks up various pollutants.
  • Polluted stormwater flows into local creeks, eventually reaching the Eno River. This stormwater runoff is not treated.
  • Polluted stormwater runoff is North Carolina's No. 1 water quality problem.
  • Still not convinced you should care?
  • Clean water equals a healthy environment, which equals better health and cost savings for the residents of Hillsborough.
Is Stormwater Regulated?
  • Yes. Under the 1972 Federal Water Pollution Control Act, commonly called the Clean Water Act, the Environmental Protection Agency regulates discharges -- including stormwater -- through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System.
  • The N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources's Division of Water Quality implements the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System stormwater program in North Carolina.
  • Phase II of the rules require small municipalities that own and operate a municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) to obtain a permit and implement six minimum measures to reduce stormwater pollutants entering their systems.
  • In Orange County, Phase II municipalities include Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Hillsborough.

Learn more about stormwater, stormwater pollution and what you can do to help.

To report stormwater or erosion issues or problems, contact the interim Public Works director.