Report a Stormwater issue on-line

Ephrata has three completely separate systems for conveying water within the Borough of Ephrata. 

First

The drinking water (potable) is treated at a filtration plant and/or at times supplied by three wells and is conveyed by a distribution system to your house or facility for your use and consumption. 

• See water information for further explanation. 

Second

The wastewater from residential homes, industrial and commercial properties is conveyed by a sanitary sewer collection system to two Wastewater Treatment Facilities for recycling back to the Cocalico Creek. 

• See wastewater information for further explanation. 

Third

Rainwater (stormwater) is collected by yard drains, roof gutters to down spouts, and street inlets (storm drains) is carried by storm sewer pipes or drainage ditches directly to the Cocalico Creek. The Public Works Division performs Stormwater maintenance activities. 

• See public works. 

Education

• Practical tips for individuals to implement are shown on Chesapeake Bay Program link which gives background reasoning and additional links for your use.
• Let Freddy the Fish show you from his perspective about Stormwater.
• Are you a Lancaster Clean Water Partners?
• Plan a field trip to Stroud Water Research Center located near Avondale, PA, dedicated to the study of streams and rivers provides a wealth of information.
• Join a local watershed group.  Lancaster Watershed Group lists county groups along with their activities. 
• For details and information and to sign up for their free newsletters.  
•  A new document, Homeowner's Guide to Stormwater, is now available as well as an instructional video. The video was developed to help a local land owner comply with the new stormwater ordinance regulations to better manage the rainwater on his property.
   
  Other helpful links can be found at PADEP, EPA, Lancaster County Conservation District, and Lancaster County Watersheds.
       
  Federal Regulations passed in 1999 require The Borough of Ephrata to obtain a permit and establish a program to manage its stormwater. This new regulation requires us to take a fresh look at how we manage the rainwater runoff in the Borough. We all can learn how the activities we do affect both water quantity and quality. Only Rain in the Drain as litter deteriorates water quality. Improving the Cocalico Creek water quantity and quality will benefit us all.  

The Borough first adopted in April, 2004 and revised on November 11, 2013 a new Stormwater Ordinance to comply with both Act 167 and MS4 requirements. For additional information about Ephrata’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Program contact Don Keen, Environmental Resource Manager at 717-738-9282, Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

List of Prequalified Contractors for the Gross Run Stream Project (PDF)