Stormwater management is vital to ensuring the health of our local and regional brooks, streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes. Improper stormwater management can lead to water quality impacts that limit the ability of the community to enjoy these natural resources. The Town of Arlington is committed to enhancing the water quality of our local water bodies and has enacted a Stormwater Management Program (SWMP) which will help the Town target drainage infrastructure improvements with this goal in mind. Please review the SWMP to learn more about the steps the Town will be taking to protect our natural resources. In addition to the SWMP, initiatives, educational programs, and helpful links concerning the impact of stormwater discharges on water bodies in Arlington and how the Town and residents can reduce those impacts can be found below.

Are you a resident interested in protecting our local water bodies?  View these prevention tips to learn how you can help the Town improve stormwater quality.

Construction activities are also a significant area of concern related to stormwater management.  There are a number of ways that developers, contractors, and home owners can reduce stormwater runoff during construction projects.  Please view the Think Blue Massachusetts Construction Flyer and the EPA's Stormwater Pollution Prevention for Small Residential Construction Sites Flyer for examples of best practices.

Arlington's Stormwater Management Bylaw - Stormwater runoff from private properties can carry nutrients and other contaminants into our local waterways. The Town's bylaw requires property owners to mitigate the impacts of additional stormwater flow and volume from their property should they undertake a project that increases impervious area on their property by 350-SF or more.  All projects which meet this Bylaw's thresholds shall require a design be submitted to and approved by the Engineering Division or its Designee in accordance with the Town's Stormwater Management Rules & Regulations.  Additional guidance to help an applicant through the design, review, and approval process can be found in the Engineering Division's Stormwater Management Standards. 

Additional Resources

EPA Mystic River Watershed
Rain Garden Information
Soak up the Rain
MassDEP Waters Pollution Prevention Information
Protecting Your Lakes
Stormwater Proof your Dumpster

MS4 General Permit Annual Reports

Permit Year 5 2023 (July 2022 to June 2023) 

Permit Year 4 2022 (July 2021 to June 2022)

Permit Year 3 2021 (July 2020 to June 2021)

Permit Year 2 2020 (July 2019 to June 2020)

Permit Year 1 2019 (May 2018 to June 2019)