Storm Water Management

The City maintains an extensive drainage system within the public rights-of-way. The system is a combination of catch basins connected by pipes and open ditches or swales. Stormwater drains to the Delaware River, the Branch Canal, or to Dragon Run. Most of the outfalls to the river and the Branch Canal have tide gates which prevent flood waters from entering the town through the drainage system.

Delaware City holds a permit from the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the discharge of stormwater. Under the terms of this National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, the City is obligated to monitor and control both the quantity and quality of storm runoff leaving the town. It is illegal to introduce pollutants into the storm drainage system, including laundry water, waste oil, pesticides, or other chemicals.

The State of Delaware also regulates land disturbing activities to control erosion and sediment pollution. Development, including grading as well as construction, requires a permit and an approved plan to control sediment leaving the development site. The New Castle Conservation District has been delegated the authority to review stormwater plans for Delaware City. More Stormwater information.