Stormwater Program


The City of Dover holds a state issued permit through the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) under Section 402 of the Clean Water Act: National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) for its Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4).  The NPDES / MS4 permit allows the City of Dover to discharge stormwater to waters of the state.  Under this permit, the City has an obligation to take efforts which improve the quality of stormwater that runs off of our streets and into waterways, such as Silver Lake and the St. Jones River.

Much of the pollution that ends up in our waterways comes from non-point sources scattered sites throughout the watershed. Many of the things we do each day contribute to the pollution that ultimately enters our waterways. How we fertilize and maintain our yards, dispose of our pet waste, and wash/maintain our cars all affect the quality of the water in our rivers and streams.


The City of Dover manages its efforts to improve the quality of stormwater while maintaining environmental compliance through a written Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP).  The SWMP defines how the City will meet the requirements of its permit.  A copy of our SWMP is provided here.  In order for our residents / businesses to do their part a number of helpful resources can be found below.


1) Why is Stormwater Management Important?

2) Homeowners / Residential Areas

a) Delaware Livable Lawns 

b) Fertilizing is NOT for Spring

c) How to Make a Rain Barrel 

d) Drip Irrigation 

e) Car Owners / Car Washing 

f)  Maintenance of Stormwater Management Areas 

g) Yard Waste / Trash Removal

3) Builders / Developers 

a) Managing Your Runoff

b) Stormwater Flyer 

c) Auto Repair Fact Sheet 

d) Construction Fact Sheet 


Illicit Discharge  

  • If illegal pollutants are found in your neighborhood, a door hanger will be placed at your residence to inform you about illicit discharges.An example of the door hanger can be found here:   Illicit discharge door hanger .
  • Don’t pour out household cleaners, garden pesticides, antifreeze, or oil-based paints.  Instead, dispose of these items properly during a weekly collection at the   Cheswold Collection Station   .

Report illicit discharges to the storm sewer system by notifying the City of Dover: 302-736-7025 or via email at  idde@dover.de.us .  Or in the case of an emergency notify DNREC Enforcement Crimes Hotline 800-662-8802. 

To help eliminate trash entering our waterways, please put trash and recyclables into designated containers and allow the city’s sanitation division to pick-up your waste.  To find the trash/recycling pick-up day for your address please utilize the following links:   Trash   /   Recycling   .  Follow the directions within each link.

Grass Clipping Notice

Pet Waste Notice 


Helpful Links  

Below are a number of helpful links to other organizations that the City partners with.  Through these partnerships we are reducing the amount of pollutants entering our streams and rivers through stormwater runoff.