Stormwater - What You Can Do To Help

Storm Drain Stenciling Program

Whitpain Township has been marking all of the storm drains in the Township with “No Dumping - Drains to Creek” stencils. Whitpain Township with the assistance of many volunteers has marked most of the storm drains in the Township. These storm drain stencils educate the public by informing them that everything that is dumped into a storm drain will eventually end up in a creek or stream. If you would like to volunteer and help with storm drain stenciling, please contact the Township Engineer’s office by calling 610-277-2400.

We need the public's help to keep our storm sewer system and watersheds clear of pollution.

Only Rain Goes In The Drain

We need the public's help to keep our storm sewer system and watersheds clear of pollution.

Never dump anything into a storm drain, including oil, paint, soap, debris, grass clippings and leaves. Storm sewers don’t go to the sewer treatment plant but discharge directly into our creeks and streams.

Please keep an eye out for the following:

• Dry weather flows from outfall pipes (at least 72 hours since the last rain event)
• Illegal dumping activity especially near storm sewers and streams (Please call 911 first)
• Sediment or debris in stormwater runoff
• Spills (Chemicals, gasoline or oil)

If you witness any of these events, please contact the Township Engineer's office immediately at  (610)277-2400, or the Whitpain Township Police Department at (610) 279-9033.

Auto Care 

Washing your car at home on the driveway or street can send detergents and other contaminants through the storm sewer system. It is best to wash your car at a commercial car wash where all of the water is treated and recycled. If you do wash your car at home, do so near a grassy area where the water can infiltrate into the ground. Never dump motor oil or antifreeze into the storm drain. Dispose of these auto fluids at a local service station or approved recycling center.

Plant Native Trees & Shrubs 

The planting of native trees and shrubs are better suited for the climate and soil conditions of the area and are more resistant to insect and disease attacks. In addition, for residents with properties along stream banks, erosion can be prevented through planting vegetated strips along the stream banks. Also known as riparian buffers, these strips of tall grasses, trees and flowers act to stabilize banks, which prevents erosion along streams.

Roof Stormwater Discharges 

Direct all downspouts away from impervious surfaces and on to grass or mulch areas. Rain barrels may be used to collect rainfall from the downspouts and this water may be used for irrigation.

Lawn Care 

Fertilizers and pesticides should be used sparingly. When applied in excess, these chemicals are washed off by stormwater runoff and may enter the local storm sewer system. Do not sweep yard waste and leaves into the street or storm drains.

Pet Care 

Pet waste can be a major source of excess nutrients and bacteria in our streams. Pet waste should not be dumped in storm drains. Always properly dispose of pet waste.