On August 13, the National Municipal Stormwater Alliance (NMSA) announced the release of its inaugural 2018 State of Stormwater Report. The report provides an overview of municipal stormwater programs across the United States, detailing the challenges and opportunities communities face in managing polluted runoff.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued stormwater rules nearly three decades ago, yet polluted runoff remains a challenge affecting the nation’s economy and environment. In the United States today, there are 7,550 communities covered by municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) permits, representing more than 80 percent of the country’s population but only about four percent of land area.
“MS4s are tackling one of the most difficult water resource challenges today — managing stormwater and revitalizing urban waters,” said NMSA Chair Scott Taylor. “Each state is attacking issues in somewhat different ways. This report takes a look at that for the first time, providing information critical to moving the needle on clean water.”
Developed by MS4 program managers, the report gives a snapshot of MS4 program implementation, current regulatory issues, and a general estimate of the trend and overall quality of states’ receiving waters.
Download the 2018 report at nationalstormwateralliance.org/nmsa-2018-state-of-stormwater-report.
