YOU Can Help Prevent Flooding by Clearing Storm Drains

When it rains, water has only one place to go…down a storm drain.

But when these drains become clogged with grass clippings or debris, it can restrict or even prevent proper draining and lead to flooding in our streets.

However, residents can help prevent flooding by voluntarily removing grass clippings or debris from these drains.

When the NJ Department of Environmental Protection changed requirements for new storm water drains, their new design was well intentioned – to prevent debris from clogging up storm sewer lines and being discharged to the local waterways.  However, the new drains do this by catching debris at the inlet of the storm drain.  Unfortunately, the unintended consequence is that grass clippings and debris are more likely to restrict or even prevent proper draining.  This is especially noticeable following severe rain storms that produce high rainfall amounts over short time spans.

“By pitching in and voluntarily clearing storm drains, residents can not only help prevent flooding that can occur following summer thunderstorms, but can also allow our Water Pollution Control crews to address more critical sanitary sewer issues that can lead to sewer line backups,” says Township Director of Water Pollution Control Richard W. Watson.  “By working together, we can prevent flooding following severe rain storms and improve our environment and water quality.”

The Hamilton Township Department of Water Pollution Control operates a regional wastewater treatment facility with a capacity of 16 million gallons per day and an average daily flow of 9.2 million gallons per day.  The Utility has been in operation for 71 years and is currently serving over 100,000 residents from three municipalities with a collection system containing 389 miles of sewer lines and 39 pumping stations in its 45 square mile service area.  The primary mission of the Hamilton Township Department of Water Pollution Control is to provide high quality user service while protecting the public and the environment. 

For more information or questions about services offered by the Hamilton Township Department of Water Pollution Control, residents can contact HamStat Call Center at 586-0311.