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Stormwater
Word Search & Free Magnet
John Kanaskie of the Planning & Engineering Department has created a stormwater-themed word search. Complete and return the word search, along with your name and mailing address, and we will mail you a free refrigerator magnet!
About Stormwater
The common downspout—which carries rainwater from gutter to ground—along with pipes, ponds, drains, bridges and other features, make up the widespread infrastructure every community needs to give the rain somewhere to go.
The goal is to direct all stormwater (another name for rainwater and snowmelt) into streams, creeks and rivers so that water reenters the natural cycle, all the while aiming to minimize flooding, avoid erosion and protect water quality.
See locations of stormwater facilities on South Fayette Township’s stormwater map.
In 2015, AMEC Foster Wheeler of Carnegie completed a study of the township's stormwater management system (PDF) to determine exactly what we have, what we need, and what we should do to update our infrastructure.
South Fayette Township staff members are using the study results to help make decisions about planning and budgeting for annual repairs and system improvements.
Two separate types of sewer systems exist for different types of water:
Sanitary Sewers. Dirty household water from sinks, toilets, washing machines and so forth is directed into the sanitary sewer and destined for a treatment plant.
Storm Sewers. Outdoor storm drains (also known as inlets or catch basins) are designed to catch rainfall or snowmelt and direct it back into creeks, rivers and other bodies of water. Stormwater is not treated before returning to natural waterways.
Household Habits for Clean Water
To help keep the local watershed clean, everybody can take steps to ensure only rain enters the storm drains. Here are some healthy household habits for clean water:
- Pick up and flush pet waste.
- Wash vehicles in a commercial car wash, or on your lawn.
- Clean paint brushes in a sink, not outdoors.
- Allow chlorine levels to dissipate before draining your swimming pool (PDF).
- Clean up spilled auto fluid with sand or kitty litter. Don’t dump down storm drain.
- Bag, compost or recycle grass clippings and yard waste. Don’t wash down storm drain.
- Don’t block storm drain openings or grates.
- Use eco-friendly pesticides and fertilizers if necessary, and use them sparingly. Avoid applying if the forecast calls for rain.
- Take automotive fluids, household cleaners, pesticides, paints and other household chemicals to periodic regional collection events.
River Runner
- Click on a map to see where a raindrop in the U.S. ends up
- Did you know a drop of water in South Fayette eventually can make its way into the Gulf of Mexico? This website lets you click on a map to see an aerial view of a raindrop's potential path through the natural waterways of the U.S. From South Fayette, it could end up in the gulf via Millers Run, Chartiers Creek, the Ohio River and the Mississippi River. Check it out, and remember that keeping stormwater clean on your property can help keep water clean in places you might not even imagine.
Homeowner & Community Guides
- When It Rains, It Drains Brochure (PDF)
- Homeowner's Guide to Stormwater (PDF)
- Creating Your Rain Garden (PDF)
- Clean Water Is Everybody's Business (PDF)
- Guidelines for Maintaining Streams in Your Community (PDF)
Organizations
- Pittsburgh Botanic Garden
- Chartiers Valley District Flood Control Authority
- Allegheny County Conservation District
- 3 Rivers Wet Weather
- Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission Water Resource Center
- Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4)
- US Army Corps of Engineers, Pittsburgh District
Related Topics
Where Water Goes
Photo Slideshow: Thanks to everyone who joined us for the free program "Clean Water Is Everybody’s Business" at Pittsburgh Botanic Garden. Participants had the opportunity to learn about rain gardens, rain barrels, where rain drains, and more, thanks to South Fayette’s partnership with ASSET STEM Education and fellow municipalities North Fayette, Findlay, Collier and Moon.