Never put anything into storm sewers, including oil, paint, soap, debris, leaves, etc.  Storm sewers do not go to the sewer plant, but discharge directly into our streams.  You might be pouring oil into your own drinking water!  Additional stormwater runoff and pollution prevention tips are available at www.twp.ridley.pa.us, www.delcocd.org, www.dep.state.pa.us and www.epagov./nps/toolbox/beta.  Do your part for your neighborhood.  Help prevent stormwater pollution and Keep Our Streams Clean!

The Township will soon start to pay for sewage treatment by the gallon.  It used to pay by the number of houses.  What does this mean?  The more water that gets flushed down the toilet or poured down the drain, the more money that we will all have to pay.  There are two ways that you can help reduce the amount of sewage and the cost.  Water conservation can be the most effective way.  Installing low flow shower heads, putting a brick in the toilet tank and taking shorter showers are just a few ways to save water and it’s a double benefit that you will see in your water bill and hopefully in your sewer bill.  The second way is to reduce the “extra” water that gets into the sanitary sewer.  Take a minute and check to see where your sump pump discharges.  If it doesn’t go out into your yard, then you may be a part of the problem.  Check your downspouts – if they go into the ground, especially in older homes, you may be part of the problem.  If you are not sure, contact the Code Enforcement Office at 610-534-4803 for assistance.  Please remember that each gallon of water that we can save will reduce the cost for sewage treatment and reflect in your sewer bill.

Articles

Review: Stormwater Is Main Channel for PAHs to Enter NY-NJ Harbor

HELP PROTECT YOUR ENVIRONMENT

Help protect the environment by reporting spills, leaks and illegal dumping.  If you see, hear or smell something suspicious or unusual, take a minute and call one of the numbers below.  We all need to do our share in protecting our environment and the Township needs your help.

Ridley Township Citizen Water Quality Hotlines

• "When It Rains, It Drains" Pamphlet
• Stormwater Poster

Useful Links:

• DEP Stormwater Management
• EPA Stormwater Phase II

For more information please visit the 2007 Winter Newsletter.