National
Stormwater Day

November 16

On November 16, 1990,
the Federal Register announced the promulgation of the NPDES Phase I Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) program making this a defining day for the stormwater sector. Since this time, thousands of communities, along with qualifying institutions and other entities, have developed MS4 programs and implemented stormwater control measures collectively to address urban runoff pollution.

Over these 33 years, the approach to addressing stormwater has evolved as have the programs established to manage urban runoff.

An increased understanding of the impacts of emerging contaminants, such as microplastics, PFAS and 6PPDq, and the role of urban runoff in the dynamics of these pollutants, is driving the awareness of stormwater pollution as a national issue. In 2021, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) included stormwater a new infrastructure category of the first time in their Infrastructure Report Card, which also highlights the rising nature of stormwater pollution.

To recognize these shifts in the stormwater sector and the significance of the start of the MS4 program, the National Municipal Stormwater Alliance has established November 16 to be National Stormwater Day. This recognition celebrates not only this date, but also the many efforts around the country to increase the awareness of stormwater. States such as California, Wisconsin and Ohio have established stormwater awareness weeks while jurisdictions such as St. Cloud Florida and Omaha Nebraska have also joined in the overall effort to raise the profile of stormwater. These examples highlight the organic and nation-wide desire to raise the issue of stormwater management.

View Press Release

Please join us for a webinar hosted by NMSA on November 16 from 1-2:15pm ET to celebrate National Stormwater Day.

Resources to spread the word on National Stormwater Day has been developed.

National
Stormwater Day
Webinar

1:00 PM - 2:15 PM ET

Register Here

This webinar celebrates the first National Stormwater Day and will bring together stormwater professionals to reflect on the impacts of the MS4 program, consider the current level of awareness of stormwater infrastructure, discuss the status of the national MS4 program today and how this program may change in the future to meet the growing challenge of stormwater management.

This event is led by the National Municipal Stormwater Alliance (NMSA) with participation from USEPA. 1.0 PDHs will be awarded for attending this webinar.