FAQs • Ephrata Borough, PA • CivicEngage

What is NOT ALLOWED to go down a storm sewer?

Any drain or conveyance, whether on the surface or subsurface, that allows any non-stormwater discharge including sewage, process wastewater, and wash water to enter a municipal separate storm sewer (if applicable), or waters of this commonwealth, and any connections to the storm sewer from indoor drains and sinks.
Any drain or conveyance connected from a commercial or industrial land use to the municipal separate storm sewer (if applicable) which has not been documented in plans, maps, or equivalent records, and approved by the Borough.
Discharges into surface waters of this commonwealth which are not composed entirely of stormwater, except:
- As provided in the listed authorized discharges
- Discharges allowed under a state or federal permit.

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Stormwater FAQ's

1. Who do I call to report a stormwater concern?: Report Your Concern On-line
or call Customer Service at 717-738-9222 Monday - Friday from 8:00am to 4:30pm.

2. How do I request a permit to change the impervious surface on my property?: Please call the Borough Office, Codes & Engineering Division at 717-738-9202 to apply for a permit.

3. Who is responsible for cleaning out the storm sewer grates?: The Public Works Division is responsible for cleaning out these grates. However, if there is a storm sewer grate on your property, please help by keeping it clean. If there is a problem, please notify the Public Works Division at 717-738-9242.

4. If I am planning to dig on my property, must I notify anyone?: Yes. Please call PA One Call at 1-800-242-1776 or "811" for information.

or call Customer Service at 717-738-9222 Monday - Friday from 8:00am to 4:30pm.

Any drain or conveyance, whether on the surface or subsurface, that allows any non-stormwater discharge including sewage, process wastewater, and wash water to enter a municipal separate storm sewer (if applicable), or waters of this commonwealth, and any connections to the storm sewer from indoor drains and sinks.
Any drain or conveyance connected from a commercial or industrial land use to the municipal separate storm sewer (if applicable) which has not been documented in plans, maps, or equivalent records, and approved by the Borough.
Discharges into surface waters of this commonwealth which are not composed entirely of stormwater, except:
- As provided in the listed authorized discharges
- Discharges allowed under a state or federal permit.

Discharges from fire-fighting activities.
Potable water sources including waterline flushing.
Irrigation drainage.
Air-conditioning condensate.
Springs.
Water from crawl space pumps.
Pavement wash waters where spills or leaks of toxic or hazardous materials have not occurred (unless all spill material has been removed) and where detergents are not used.
Flows from riparian habitats and wetlands.
Uncontaminated water from foundations or from footing drains.
Lawn watering.
Dechlorinated swimming pool discharges.
Uncontaminated groundwater.
Water from individual residential car washing.
Routine external building wash down (which does not use detergents or other compounds).
Diverted stream flows.
Rising groundwaters.