| Stormwater
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- NEW Shawsheen River Watershed Stream Management Plan (11.46Mb) - The Shawsheen River Watershed Stream Management Plan is the second of three Town watershed studies. The third watershed stream management plan is the Mystic River Watershed is currently underway. This study explores and develops a cohesive strategy for drainage rehabilitation and long-term stream maintenance that will enable the Town to maintain drainage and stream flow, reduce sedimentation, and enhance stability, to address the flooding and environmental issues. Please note: due to the file size being very large we are unable to electronically post the full report. However, a hard copy of the full report is available at 201 Bedford St., Engineering Department (office hours).
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- Charles River Watershed Stream Management Plan - This study explores and develops a cohesive strategy for drainage rehabilitation and long-term stream maintenance that will enable the Town to maintain drainage and stream flow, reduce sedimentation, and enhance stability, to address the flooding and environmental issues. Please note: due to the file size being very large we are unable to electronically post the full report. However, a hard copy of the full report is available
at 201 Bedford St., Engineering Department (office hours).
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FAQ's About Stormwater
What is stormwater?
Stormwater is the water that flows over the ground when it rains or snows. When precipitation falls on vegetated areas, most of the water soaks into the ground rather than running over its surface. But when precipitation falls on impervious surfaces, such as driveways, sidewalks, and streets, it can't soak into the ground, so it runs over the surface. This run-off either flows directly into a stream or into a storm drain, which eventually discharges into a stream.
Why does stormwater matter?
As stormwater runs over the ground, it picks up pollutants, such as oil, fertilizer, sand, and trash, and carries them with it as it flows into streams. These pollutants can contaminate drinking water supplies, fish and wildlife habitat, and swimming facilities. Stormwater can also cause erosion and flooding problems.
For more information on stormwater, visit the EPA's Stormwater Page>>
What is Lexington doing about stormwater?
Regulations
A number of federal, state, and local regulations address stormwater issues in Lexington, including:
The Town of Lexington's Stormwater By-law>>
The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NDPES) permit program, authorized by the federal Clean Water Act>>
The Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act>>
The Town of Lexington's Wetlands Protection Code>>
The state of Massachusetts proposed Stormwater Management Regulations>>
Watershed Stewardship Program
The Town Conservation and Engineering departments are working together to establish a Watershed Stewardship Program that enlists volunteers to survey streams for stormwater-related problems and assist with remediation efforts. Learn more about the Watershed Stewardship Program>>
Map of Lexington's major watersheds>>
Map of Lexington's 21 sub-watersheds>>
Storm Drain Markers
The Town plans to install markers on storm drains that read "Don't Dump, Drains to Stream" to increase public awareness that storm drains discharge directly into our streams. To volunteer to help install markers on storm drains, contact landstewards@lexingtonma.gov
What can I do about stormwater?
For ideas on how you can reduce the impacts of stormwater, check out the Citizens' Guide to Understanding Stormwater, or start with these simple steps:
Eliminate pesticide and fertilizer use in your yard.
Scoop your pet's poop—pick it up and flush it down the toilet rather than leaving it on the ground.
Wash you car in a commercial car wash that treats or recycles its wastewater, or wash your car on your yard rather than on your driveway so that the water infiltrates into the ground.
Don't ever dump anything down a storm drain—storm drains run directly into streams without being treated, so whatever goes into the drain goes into the stream.
Use rain barrels to collect run-off from your roof to store for later use in watering your garden or lawn.
Volunteer with the Watershed Stewardship Program by contacting landstewards@lexingtonma.gov.
Report illegal dumping and illicit discharging into streams and ponds by contacting the Engineering department at stormwater@lexingtonma.gov.
Report stream flow problems and impaired outfalls by contacting the Engineering department at stormwater@lexingtonma.gov.
A draft of Lexington's proposed Stormwater Regulations is currently available for public comment.
Download the Stormwater Regulations draft>>
Comments can be submitted to:
Engineering Division
c/o Mike Flamang
Samuel Hadley Public Services Building
201 Bedford Street, Rm 202
Lexington, MA 02420
mflamang@lexingtonma.gov
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