Household Stormwater Information
Remember: Only rain down the drain!
In Massachusetts, polluted stormwater runoff and discharges in urbanized areas result in serious water-quality problems. Polluted runoffs to water bodies have affected plant and animal life in streams and lakes and can also affect recreational activities such as boating and swimming.
Common Stormwater Pollutants
- Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)
- Concrete
- Cooking Grease
- Debris
- Detergent
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- Motor Oil
- Paint
- Pesticides
- Pet Waste
- Sediments
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Septic System Guide (PDF)
Guide to maintaining a healthy and clean home septic system.
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Pet Waste Flyer (PDF)
Tips to keep your pet's waste out of the water system.
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Lawn Care Flyer (PDF)
Tips to keep lawn and garden waste out of the stormwater system.
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Swimming Pool Brochure (PDF)
Guide to keeping swimming pool and spa runoff out of the stormwater system.
Benefits
Stormwater control helps the citizens and businesses of Brookline:
- Prevent pollutants from entering the storm drain and discharging to rivers, streams and wetlands
- Prohibit illicit connections and unauthorized discharges to the storm drain
- Remove all such illicit connections
- Comply with state and federal statues and regulations relating to stormwater discharges
- Establish the legal authority to ensure compliance with the provisions of this section through inspection, monitoring, and enforcement
The Town of Brookline regulates stormwater discharges under By-Law 8.25. Non-stormwater discharges contain contaminants and supply additional flows to the town's storm drain system. Non-storm drain discharges are a major cause of impairment of water quality and water flow (in lakes, ponds, streams, rivers, wetlands and groundwater), contamination of drinking water supplies, alteration or destruction of aquatic and wildlife habitat, and flooding. These can be prevented through the use of this by-law.
Stormwater Related Resources
- Stormwater Information and Activities For Children
- Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
- Hydrant and Catch Basin Map (PDF)
What can you do to help reduce stormwater pollution?
- Ten Things You Can Do to Prevent Stormwater Runoff Pollution
- Make Your Home The Solution to Stormwater Pollution
- Protecting Water Quality from Urban Runoff
- Stormwater Pollution Prevention Guide for Homeowners
Report Possible
Please contact the Town of Brookline Department of Public Works Engineering Division at 617-730-2139 or by email [email protected] with any questions, concerns or comments or to report possible illegal discharges to the town's storm drain system.
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Engineering & Transportation
Phone: 617-730-2139
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Maria Rose
Environmental Engineer
Town of Brookline Website