Stormwater is precipitation or runoff that flows from roads, roofs, driveways and other surfaces into catchbasins (sometimes called storm drains). This water, and all that it carries with it, flows untreated through pipes and is discharged to local waterways or underneath the ground.

Cities like Keizer must obtain a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit to discharge stormwater runoff to waterways. State and Federal regulations require permit-holders to implement programs that address the impacts of stormwater. The City of Keizer Stormwater Division is working towards meeting regulations by providing catchbasin cleaning, street sweeping, educational outreach, public participation opportunities, and programs that will help the community stay involved with stewardship of Keizer.

The City was also required to apply for a permit for stormwater systems which collect runoff from the surface and discharge it under the ground. These systems are called Underground Injection Control devices (UICs). Because these systems can impact groundwater, this permit is a requirement of the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. Cities that discharge stormwater to UIC’s must implement programs similar to those required by the NPDES permit, with the focus on protecting groundwater as a drinking water resource.

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