Stormwater Management

"KEEP IT CLEAN, WE ALL LIVE DOWNSTREAM"

The City of Belmont has started a Stormwater program in accordance with the NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) Phase II Storm Water program, which is mandated by the State of North Carolina for small municipal separate storm sewer systems serving populations of less than 100,000 and construction sites that disturb one to five acres.  

Stormwater, what is it exactly?  Stormwater is simply rainwater that runs off of impervious surfaces such as buildings, roads, parking lots, driveways, and sidewalks.   The more impervious surfaces we develop, the more runoff we create. 

So where does stormwater go if it runs off of impervious surfaces and doesn't soak into the ground?  Stormwater flows directly into the stormwater system, picking up everything in its path. It goes untreated to our creeks and streams, which lead to either the Catawba or South Fork River.   The stormwater system is comprised of storm drains, catch basins, pipes, culverts, ditches, grass swales, and ponds.   All of these structures work together to manage the increased flows of stormwater runoff. 

City of Belmont Stormwater Management works to:

• Increase public awareness of stormwater issues
• Prevent or reduce flood risks
• Protect the quality of water in our creeks and lakes
• Maintain public storm drainage systems in City streets and City rights of way only (no state roads, private roads or systems)

To improve the quality of our creeks, streams, and lakes, we:

• Investigate spills and illegal dumping
• Enforce ordinances designed to protect water quality
• Educate residents and businesses about pollution prevention