Community Involvement to Keep Stormwater Clean

The Town of Chelmsford residents and visitors enjoy the many natural resources available to them. The Town works hard at keeping the storm drains, culverts and waterways free of pollutants.  Cleaning up pollutants on the land and taking good care of storm drains results in cleaner stormwater.

Community Involvement Opportunities 
Storm Drain Stenciling - email cthompson@chelmsfordma.gov 
Help with Town Wide Cleanup - email mjoyce@chelmsfordma.gov

What Can I do to Help Keep Stormwater Clean?

Stormwater pollution is one of the most difficult sources of water pollution to control. Because stormwater pollution is caused by the daily activities of people everywhere, public awareness of the steps citizens can take to prevent stormwater pollution will help to protect our water resources. By putting fewer pollutants on the land, stormwater will be cleaner as it flows into our lakes, rivers and the ocean.

• Never pour or sweep anything down a storm drain.
  - This includes pet waste, motor oil, paint, litter, leaves, and sand. 
• Do not block storm drains with refuse or debris.
• Use fertilizers sparingly and sweep up driveways, sidewalks, and roads. 
• Vegetate bare spots in your yard.
• Compost your yard waste.
• Avoid pesticides.
  - Learn about Integrated Pest management (IPM). 
• Do not over-water your lawn.
• Reduce lawn size by planting rock gardens, shrubs and trees.
• Aim your roof downspouts away from paved surfaces or into a rain barrel or rain garden.
• Take your car to the car wash instead of washing it in the driveway. If you wash your car at home, wash it on the lawn so that the water can seep into the soil, and use low-phosphate detergents in small amounts. 
• Check your car for leaks. Recycle motor oil, antifreeze, tires, and batteries. 
• Pick up after your pet and dispose of droppings in the toilet or trash. 
• Maintain native vegetation along streams and lakefronts.
• Pool water is only allowed in the drains if it has been dechlorinated. The chlorine level must be less than one ppm. Allow the water to stand for one week prior to draining. Also, make sure the pool is drained in such a way as not to cause a nuisance or erosion.