Stormwater FAQs
Yes. Stormwater picks up pollutants such as oil and grease, chemicals, nutrients, metals, and bacteria as it travels across land and carries it directly into our rivers and lakes. Unlike the water in sewer systems, stormwater is not treated before being released into rivers or lakes.
Stormwater is the flow of water that occurs immediately after rainfall or as a result of snowmelt. When it rains, several things can happen to the precipitation. Some of the rainwater is absorbed into the ground and some evaporate. The rest of the rainwater that runs off land surfaces and impervious areas is Stormwater.
Hard surfaces – such as pavement and rooftops – are called 'impervious surfaces' and do not allow rainfall to absorb into the ground. When there is more hard or impervious surface in a community, there will be more stormwater runoff.
To keep stormwater from flooding roads and property, storm drain systems divert and carry and stormwater directly to streams, rivers and lakes.
Contact Information
Development and Design Services
The Development and Design Services office is located on the second floor of Morganton City Hall.
Phone: 828-438-5260
Email