Stormwater Management Tips from DPW
The City of Melrose is implementing a Stormwater Management Program (SWMP) to improve the water quality of the City's ponds and streams, as well as downstream waterways. Detailed information regarding SWMP can be found on the City website.
For more information about this program, and the importance of stormwater management check out this video posted by Think Blue Massachusetts, an educational campaign to help residents and businesses do their part to reduce polluted runoff and keep our state’s lakes, rivers, and streams clean and healthy.
There are many areas of stormwater management, but the most important areas where you can help make valuable improvements is through fertilizer use, car washing as well as pet waste.
Rain washes fertilizer from your lawn into storm drains which then finds its way into ponds and lakes. This can cause algae and bacteria growth. Simply being mindful of the weather and rain patterns can reduce fertilizer damages!
When you wash your car, the dirty water (and even possibly some motor oil) will be washed down into local waterways. Try using a car wash or making sure your car has no leaks prior to washing it.
When pet waste washes down into sewers, it can cause damages and harmful bacteria can find their way into local water sources. Always make sure you are picking up your pets waste and disposing of it properly.
For more information, or questions, please call the Engineering office at 781-979-4172 or email sflanagan@cityofmelrose.org.