Stormwater Management

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What is Stormwater?

Stormwater is rain or snow that falls to the ground. On undisturbed land, most stormwater is absorbed in the soil, becoming groundwater. When the land is covered with buildings and pavement, stormwater rushes from roofs and pavement into storm drains. Stormwater runoff, floods and erodes our local streams and carries trash, fertilizer, oil, pesticides, dirt, bacteria and other pollutants into the Raritan River and the Atlantic Ocean. Stormwater runoff is one of the greatest threats to clean water in the U.S.A.

The official definition of stormwater under the N.J.A.C. 7:14A rules is as follows: 'Stormwater' means water resulting from precipitation (including rain and snow) that runs off the land's surface, is transmitted to the subsurface, or is captured by separate storm sewers or other sewage or drainage facilities, or conveyed by snow removal equipment.

Stormwater Cycle Graphic

Stormwater Links

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a. Long ago in the place we now call Highland Park, most rainfall sank directly into the ground where it fell. b. It supported an abundance of life within the soil and above it. c. It moved slowly underground and emerged gently, either feeding streams or pooling in low-lying wetlands