Cheltenham Township’s
Top 10 Tips for Cleaner Water

Little actions can have big impacts. That’s the idea behind MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System), a federal program to promote clean water. Previous legislation targeted industry to curb water pollution. Today, stormwater runoff is the #1 pollution problem. When rainwater or snowmelt flows across the ground and pavement, the water picks up debris, chemicals, dirt and other pollutants and carries them either directly into the Tookany Creek or through storm drain inlets that empty into the waterway.

Everyone has to do their part to keep our water clean. Please follow all of the tips that apply to help keep our streams and creeks healthy now and for generations to come.

1.  Disconnect sump pumps that empty into the sanitary sewer. During heavy rains, sump pumps that discharge into the sanitary sewer can overload the system, causing sewer backups into homes and businesses and overflows into the Tookany Creek. These conditions present health hazards to the entire community. Eventually, sump pump excesses could overwhelm the sanitary system, which would cost millions to replace. That’s why it is illegal to discharge sump pumps into the sanitary sewer.

2.  Never dump anything into storm drain inlets. Everything that enters the storm drain inlets along Township roadways ends up in the Tookany Creek. Don’t dump oil, trash, leaves, pet waste or any other material into the inlets.

3.  Pick up pet waste. Stormwater will carry pet waste left on the ground into the Tookany Creek, contributing to harmful bacteria, parasites and viruses in our water. The Township’s Pooper Scooper Law requires pet owners and caretakers to properly dispose of pet waste in the trash or toilet.

4.  Practice environmentally friendly lawn and garden care. Use only organic fertilizers and use them sparingly. Avoid pesticides. These chemicals will be swept into local waterways by stormwater runoff and harm aquatic life.

5.  To reduce runoff, direct downspouts over porous, not paved, surfaces. Or use a rain barrel to collect rainwater for later use in your lawn or garden.

6.  Practice environmentally friendly automotive care. Check your vehicles for leaks and fix any immediately. Use a professional car wash or wash your car on your lawn instead of your driveway so the water seeps into the ground instead of creating runoff.

7.  If you have a septic system, have it pumped and inspected regularly.

8.  Don’t dump anything into streams or position items near waterways. Even garden debris like leaves, branches and grass clippings are hazardous to our waterways because excess amounts are harmful to aquatic life. Keep lawn furniture and gardening tools away from waterways since heavy rains may wash them away.

9. Protect riparian buffers. Don’t mow to the edge of streambanks. Allow native vegetation to grow freely in a 10-foot strip along the bank to reduce erosion and to help filter out pollutants.

10. Participate in community cleanups, like the Earth Day activities held each April.