Stormwater Management

Protecting Morgantown’s waterways starts with understanding where stormwater goes—and what it carries.

💧What Is Stormwater?

Stormwater is rain or snowmelt that flows over land surfaces rather than soaking into the ground. As it moves, it collects pollutants and carries them into nearby streams, Deckers Creek, and the Monongahela River.

🌧️ What Happens When It Rains?

Impervious Surfaces Matter

Roads, rooftops, parking lots, and sidewalks prevent water from soaking into the ground. Instead, water runs off quickly into storm drains.

Pollution Travels with It

Stormwater can carry:

  • Oil and grease from vehicles
  • Pet waste
  • Fertilizers and pesticides
  • Trash and debris
  • Sediment from construction sites

All of this flows untreated into local waterways:

  • Deckers Creek
  • Monongahela River
  • Other streams and tributaries

Unlike sanitary sewage, this water is not treated before entering waterways.

Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs)

In some areas, heavy rain can overwhelm the sewer system, causing a mix of stormwater and wastewater to overflow into waterways.

👉 Learn more: Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs)

✅ How You Can Help

Small actions make a big difference. Here’s how you can protect our water:

At Home

  • Pick up and properly dispose of pet waste
  • Avoid overusing fertilizers and chemicals
  • Never dump anything into storm drains

Vehicle Care

  • Fix leaks promptly
  • Wash cars at commercial car washes (where wastewater is treated)

Yard & Lawn Care

  • Plant native vegetation
  • Use rain barrels to capture runoff
  • Reduce soil erosion

Resources & Tools

👉 View the calendar of events for our stormwater program
👉 Learn about Pet Waste and see local pet waste stations
👉 Review the EPA's Lawn Care Resources
👉 Learn about environmentally friendly Automotive Care
👉 Properly dispose of medications: Visit the EPA's site on properly disposing of medications by clicking here
👉 Properly dispose of Household Hazardous Waste
👉 Get MUB's water information brochure for kids and parents
👉 Get the After the Storm brochure
👉 Winter Tips: Try using deicers that are safe for people pets, and the environment. Search the EPA's SafeChoice site for deicer products for use around the home.

🏢 For Businesses & Developers

MUB regulates stormwater to reduce flooding and pollution.

Requirements Include:

  • Stormwater management plans
  • Erosion and sediment control
  • Post-construction runoff controls

👉 View the Stormwater Permit Application
👉 Access the Stormwater Design Manual
👉 View the Stormwater Management Plan
👉 Get the Preventing illicit discharges and managing workplace spills brochure

📊 Other Resources & Tools

Explore helpful guides and information:

⚠️ Report a Problem

See pollution entering a storm drain or waterway?

📧 Email: stormwater@mub.org
📞 Call: (304) 292-8443

🌊 Our Commitment

MUB is committed to:

  • Reducing stormwater pollution
  • Improving infrastructure
  • Partnering with the community
  • Protecting Morgantown’s water resources

🔗 Learn More