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waterquality

 Stormwater runoff accumulates pollutants such as sediment, oil and grease, chemicals, and bacteria as it travels across land, making it one of the leading causes of water pollution. Unlike wastewater that goes down sinks, showers and toilets, any rain water that goes down a storm drain goes directly to the nearest stream, lake, or river. Any pollutants in the stormwater will enter the body of water untreated.

Enforcement

The Stormwater Management Ordinance details specific regulations about what substances may be discharged into the storm drainage system. Illegal discharges of substances such as oil, chemicals, and yard debris are identified and may result in cleanup and fines. Report any stormwater concerns by calling the City of Wilson Stormwater Hotline at 252-399-2424 or through the Fix-It Wilson app. Staff from the stormwater division will investigate the concern and take any appropriate action.

 

New Development Review

New development is one of the main sources of stormwater pollution. The state Division of Water Quality has tasked the City of Wilson to review plans for new development to ensure that appropriate practices and treatment are being used to minimize and avoid water quality impacts.

 

Public Education

A major component of any successful regulation program is public education. The Stormwater Division provides workshops, classroom demonstrations, educational fair booths, and participates in a cooperative effort with other local governments to produce TV and radio announcements. To learn more about how you can get involved, visit our Public Education page.

 

Stormwater Retrofits

As understanding of water quality increases and technology develops, it is important to apply new treatment techniques to existing development to reduce the pollution from these sites. The Stormwater Division works with county, state, and federal agencies for grants to install these retrofits.

 

Best Management Practices (BMPs)

BMP’s are structures or practices that best avoid and/or minimize impacts to water quality from development. The most widely recognized is a wet pond but there are several different types of BMP’s that treat stormwater in various ways and must be properly inspected and maintained.

 

Public Involvement

Beyond public education, the Adopt-A-Stream program allows the public to become actively involved in monitoring, protecting, and cleaning up the waterways of Wilson.