Keeping York’s Surface Waters Clean and Preventing Overflow

Both storm and sewer runoff play an important role in keeping our surface waters (streams, ditches, etc) clean and protecting roads, buildings and residential homes from water damage.

DPW is responsible for street sweeping and cleaning catch basins and storm drains to prevent flooding and water contamination. Stormwater is regulated by Maine’s Department of Environmental Protection and there are certain rules we must follow in accordance with York’s MS4 General Permit.

View Stormwater Fact Sheet

References to understand how drainage impacts our water.

Clean Water Starts With You
How Yard Maintenance Prevents Flooding
Keep Our Water Clean

Report a contamination or flooding issue through MS4.

Learn More

What is Stormwater?

  • Stormwater runoff is precipitation (rain or snow melt) that flows over land.
  • Storm drains collect runoff and convey it without treatment directly into water bodies. Polluted runoff affects drinking water, human health, wildlife, and property values.
  • This infrastructure provides drainage that protects roads and the built environment from failure and flooding.
  • Adequately sized drainage systems are a critical utility for new development and urban expansion.
Learn About Stormwater in Our Community

What is MS4?

Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System, or MS4, is a system where the flow of stormwater (rain or snow melt that runs over land) is separated from sanitary sewer systems. The storm sewer system includes roads, curbs and gutters, ditches, catch basins, storm drains, outfalls, and pipes connecting these features.

York is subject to a Clean Water Act Permit, administered by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), that allows the Town to discharge runoff into water bodies if measures are taken to minimize pollution from the storm sewer system and municipal facilities and operations. This permit is referred to as the MS4 General Permit.

Stormwater Program Management Plan (PDF)
Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination Program (PDF)
Monthly Report
2013-2018 MS4 General Permit (PDF)
York County MS4 Annual Report Permit Year 1 (PDF)
York County MS4 Annual Report Permit Year 2 (PDF)
York County MS4 (SMSWG) Annual Report Permit Year 3 (PDF)
York County MS4 (SMSWG) Annual Report Permit Year 4 (PDF)
York County MS4 (SMSWG) Annual Report Permit Year 5 (PDF)
York County MS4 (SMSWG) Annual Report Permit Year 6 (PDF)
York County MS4 (SMSWG) Annual Report Permit Year 7 (PDF)

The Town of York - Department of Public Works website does not contain data intended for use by investors, audited financial statements can be found on the SEC EMMA website or by visiting the Finance Directors page at Yorkmaine.org

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