When it rains or when snow melts, stormwater washes away pollutants that have accumulated on lawns, driveways, roads, highways, and parking lots. These pollutants flow overland into storm drain systems and ditches emptying into local streams and rivers. When left untreated, these pollutants can impair local and downstream waterbodies used for swimming, fishing, aquatic life, and drinking water. You can help improve and protect the waters in Carroll County at home and in your municipality by learning more about stormwater pollution and prevention.

• Use fertilizers sparingly and sweep up driveways, sidewalks, and gutters
• Never dump anything down stormdrains, into ditches or streams
• Vegetate bare spots in your yard
• Compost your yard waste
• Use the least toxic pesticides, follow labels, and learn how to prevent pest problems
• Direct downspouts away from paved surfaces; consider a rain garden to capture runoff
• Wash your car on the lawn or take it to a car wash instead of washing it on a paved driveway
• Check your car for leaks and recycle your motor oil
• Pick up after your pet
• Have your septic tank pumped and inspected regularly

Stormwater in Carroll County and the eight incorporated municipalities is regulated by law under Phase I and Phase II Municipal Separate Storm Sewer (MS4) permits under EPA's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System program administered through the Maryland Department of the Environment.

If you are concerned about the release of pollutants or possible illegal dumping (chemicals, motor oil, paint, sewage, etc.) into a storm drain system, please contact the non-emergency Carroll County Stormwater Pollution Phone Line (410) 386-2210. Non-emergency response will occur Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Call 911 first if there is an imminent threat to human health or the environment, such as chemical hazardous material & oil/fuel spills or sewage overflows. (See additional Emergency Numbers under links)

• Emergency Numbers (pdf file)
• Non-Stormwater Discharges Not Subject to Enforcement (Chapter 105) (pdf file)
• Stormwater Runoff & Stormwater Pollution Prevention Solutions (Things You Can Do)
• National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Program Overview
• National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System, Discharge Permit 2012 Annual Report
• Stormwater Basic Information
• Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems Overview (MS4s)
• Carroll County Municipalities
• Maryland's NPDES Municipal Stormwater Permits
• Maryland's Stormwater Management Program
• Carroll County Bureau of Resource Management
• Carroll County Bureau of Resource Management Other Resources
• NPDES Municipal Stormwater Permits
• MDE - Chesapeake Bay Watershed Information
• Center for Watershed Protection
• Chapter 105 - Environmental Management of Storm Sewer System Ordinance
• MDE Facts About Car Washing Fundraisers (pdf file)
• MDE Vehicle Washing Best Management Practices (pdf file)