Stormwater
Anything that people put on the ground or into the storm drain can end up in our water and it does not get treated before it reaches our rivers and streams. Pollution on streets, parking lots and lawns is washed by rain into storm drains, then directly to our drinking water supplies and other water bodies. Everyone can help make sure contaminants stay out of our water, including fertilizer, oil, pesticides, detergents, and pet waste. By sharing the responsibility and keeping common pollutants out of stormwater, it saves on the high cost of cleaning up pollution.
A 1-inch rainfall in the City of Summit generates approximately over 100 million gallons of water. Some is absorbed into green spaces while the rest is discharged to three (3) of the State's Watershed Management Areas (WMA's). The runoff is conveyed to these WMA's through the City's storm sewer network and discharged at 105 individual outfalls.
Stormwater Pollution Prevention and Management Plans
As part of an annual certification process to ensure continued conformance to its New Jersey Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Tier A municipality permit, the City of Summit is required to post an updated Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan and the Stormwater Management Plan.
Watershed Map
The City has thirteen (13) individual sub-watershed areas which are depicted on our the Watershed Map (PDF).
Citywide Drainage Assessment Report (DAR)
This report is used as infrastructure management tool to provide a guide for capital planning on drainage projects. It is revised annually in November to reflect new projects that have been identified and to remove projects that have been completed. Read the 2020 Report.
Stormwater Regulations
The "Stormwater Management Rules (NJAC 7:8)" were adopted February 2, 2004 and last updated in March of 2020. The rules were adopted to conform to the December 1999 Phase II Rules by the EPA which followed up to the 1972 Clean Water Act. The State's Stormwater FAQ page provides specific details on the adopted rules.
The rules require each Municipality to obtain a permit to discharge runoff to the watershed. The permit is renewed annually.
Sump Pump Discharge Is Stormwater Not Sewage
Sump pumps are by law NOT permitted to be connected to the sanitary sewer system. This overburdens a system not intended for heavier flows during wet periods and adds to Summit’s cost for treating sewage. Discharging sump pump flow onto City streets often causes icing hazards in the cold weather months for drivers and pedestrians. When such icing is deemed a hazard, the connection must be removed.
Therefore, sump pumps must be connected to the City’s storm sewer system where available or must discharge onto private property away from the building’s foundation.
If you require assistance with sump pump discharge, please contact the Engineering Division. Read an example of a properly connected sump pump (PDF).