What is MS4 & Stormwater - Definition
What is MS4?
A MS4 is a publicly owned or operated stormwater infrastructure, used solely for stormwater. Examples of stormwater infrastructure include curbs, ditches, culverts, stormwater ponds and storm sewer pipes. The MS4 general permit focuses on reducing pollution that enters these public systems and discharges to wetlands, stream and lakes.
The City of St. Francis has been identified as a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4). The MS4 general permit is mandated by the federal regulations under the Clean Water Act and is administered by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA).
The MS4 general permit requires the owner or operator to create a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program which focuses on public education, public participation, illicit discharges, construction and post-construction site runoff controls, and pollution prevention and municipal “good housekeeping”.
Although the MS4 general permit is a requirement, it is also a tool to improve local water quality within the City of St. Francis. Improving water quality can seem like an insurmountable task, but small efforts that all residents can make will have a dramatic effect. Simple steps for better water quality include:
- Fertilize established lawns with phosphorous-free fertilizer and don’t over-spray fertilizer into the street.
- Rake leaves and sweep grass clippings away from curbs. Clean curbs mean clean water.
- Direct your home’s gutters onto your lawn or in a rain barrel for usage on your plants and watering your lawn. Water that doesn’t make it to the curb can’t carry pollutants to lakes and streams.
For more detailed information about the MS4 regulations or for further information about reducing stormwater pollution, visit Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
Definitions of Water, Wastewater and Stormwater
Water also called drinking water, is the water that is improved and made safe to drink or to use for food preparation.
Wastewater is any water you create in your home or business for laundry, doing dishes, toilet usage, bathing/showering, etc.
Stormwater, also spelled storm water, is water that originates during any precipitation event and snow/ice melt. Stormwater can soak into the soil (infiltrate), be held on the surface and evaporate, or runoff and end up in nearby streams, rivers, or other water bodies (surface water).
