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.
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
- EPA’s lawn care resources (opens in a new tab)
- Properly dispose of medications (FDA) (opens in a new tab)
- MUB’s water information brochure for kids and parents (opens in a new tab)
- After the Storm brochure (opens in a new tab)
- Winter tips: deicers that are safe for people, pets and the environment (EPA Safer Choice) (opens in a new tab)
For businesses & developers
MUB regulates stormwater to reduce flooding and pollution.
Requirements include:
- Stormwater management plans
- Erosion and sediment control
- Post-construction runoff controls
- Stormwater Permit Application (opens in a new tab)
- Stormwater Design Manual (opens in a new tab)
- Stormwater Management Plan (opens in a new tab)
- Preventing illicit discharges and managing workplace spills brochure (opens in a new tab)
Other resources & tools
Explore helpful guides and information:
- Article 929 (opens in a new tab) – City of Morgantown Stormwater Management and Surface Water Discharge Control
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
- View our Stormwater Service Area Map (opens in a new tab)
- Follow us on social media for updates and tips