Stormwater

City Hall
132 W. Virginia Ave.
Bessemer City, NC 28016
(704) 629-5542

What is Stormwater?

Bessemer City is working to protect our local streams from being damaged by stormwater pollution.

When it rains, pollutants such as fertilizer, oil, grease and pet waste are picked up from the ground and carried into the nearest storm drain down the street. The storm drains are not connected to a treatment system, so everything that flows down the drain goes directly to the nearest water body.

Make a Difference

You can make a difference and help us keep our local waters clean.

As a visitor to this site you’ve already taken the first step – getting informed.
Step two – get involved by doing one or more of the following:

• Adopt a couple of clean water habits to reduce pollution from your home.
• Adopt a couple of clean water habits to reduce pollution from your business.
• Get involved with local projects and volunteer opportunities.
• Report stormwater problems.

Prevent Stormwater Pollution

While citizens, businesses and industry are working to prevent stormwater pollution, Bessemer City is busy doing the same.

In 2005, we received a Phase II Stormwater permit that requires that we develop and implement a stormwater management program that includes the following measures:

• Teach citizens and business owners about how they can prevent and reduce stormwater pollution.
• Involve citizens in developing and implementing our local stormwater program.
• Look for and remove unlawful discharges to the stormwater sewer system.
• Regulate new development activities to ensure that they provide appropriate treatment for stormwater before it reaches local waterways.
• Reduce and eliminate pollution resulting from our activities.

Stormwater Pollution

There are many sources of stormwater pollution, including:

• Automotive fluids
• Pet waste
• Brake dust
• Cigarette butts
• Leaves
• Soil and garbage
• Grass clippings

These materials are generated everyday and combine to create a sticky, stinky, unhealthy mess that contaminates our local waters.

Where Does Stormwater Go?

When it rains, or when water is used, pollutants are picked-up from the ground and carried into the nearest storm drain down the street. The storm drains are not connected to a treatment system, so everything that flows down the drain goes directly to the nearest water body, ultimately flowing into the ocean.