Stormwater Management

Ephrata has three completely separate systems for conveying water within the Borough of Ephrata. 

First, the drinking water (potable) is treated at a filtration plant and at times by two wells and is conveyed by a distribution system to your house or facility for your use and consumption.  See Water information for further explanation. 

Second, the wastewater from residential homes & industrial and commercial properties is conveyed by a sanitary sewer collection system to two Wastewater Treatment Facilities for recycling back to the Cocalico Creek. See Wastewater information for further explanation. 

Third, rainwater (stormwater) is collected by yard drains, roof gutters to down spouts, and street inlets (storm drains) is carried by storm sewer pipes or drainage ditches directly to the Cocalico Creek.  The Public Works Division preforms Stormwater maintenance activities. See Public Works.

Practical tips for individuals to implement are shown on the Chesapeake Bay Program link which gives background reasoning & additional links for your use. 

 

New Federal Regulations passed in 1999 require The Borough of Ephrata to obtain a permit and establish a program to manage its stormwater.  This new regulation requires us to take a fresh look at how we manage the rainwater runoff in the Borough.  We all can learn how the activities we do affect both water quantity & quality. Simple litter deteriorates water quality.  Improving the Cocalico Creek water quantity & quality will benefit us all. 

 

The Borough adopted in April, 2004 a new Storm Water Ordinance to comply with both Act 167 & MS4 requirements. For additional information about Ephrata’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System  (MS4) Program contact Jay R. Snyder, Environmental Resource Manager at jsnyder@ephrataboro.org or call M-F between 7:00am and 3:30pm at 717-738-9282.