Municipal Office: 100 Plate Drive, Harwick, PA 15049  |  (724) 274-4034

MS4 Stormwater Management

Protecting Our Local Waterways

Springdale Township participates in Pennsylvania’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Program, which helps protect local waterways from pollution carried by stormwater runoff.

Stormwater is rain or melting snow that flows over streets, parking lots, lawns, and other surfaces. As it travels, it can pick up pollutants such as oil, fertilizer, pet waste, trash, and sediment. This runoff enters storm drains and flows directly into local streams and rivers—often without treatment.

The MS4 program helps municipalities reduce pollution in stormwater through public education, maintenance of stormwater infrastructure, and programs designed to protect our waterways.

What is an MS4?

A Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) is a network of storm drains, pipes, gutters, ditches, and other structures that collect stormwater and discharge it into nearby waterways.

Unlike sanitary sewer systems, stormwater systems do not treat the water before it reaches creeks, rivers, and lakes.

Because of this, anything that enters a storm drain can directly affect water quality.

How Residents Can Help

Everyone plays a role in protecting our local waterways. Residents can help by:

  • Picking up pet waste

  • Properly disposing of trash and recycling

  • Never dumping chemicals, oil, paint, or yard waste into storm drains

  • Limiting the use of fertilizers and pesticides

  • Keeping leaves and grass clippings out of streets and storm drains

  • Reporting stormwater concerns to the municipality

Report Stormwater Concerns

If you notice a potential stormwater issue, please contact the municipality.

Examples include:

  • Illegal dumping into storm drains
  • Discolored or foul-smelling water entering a storm drain or stream
  • Excessive sediment leaving a construction site
  • Blocked or damaged storm drains
  • Spills or pollutants entering waterways

Additional Resources