Stormwater

Philomath uses two separate systems to manage water: one for wastewater and one for stormwater. Wastewater from our homes is treated before being released into the river, while stormwater flows directly from streets and surfaces into creeks—often carrying pollution with it. The City maintains miles of pipes, ditches, and basins to manage this runoff and reduce flooding. With community support, utility fees, and environmental programs, we’re working to protect clean water, public health, and local ecosystems. To learn more about the Wastewater System in Philomath, visit this link here.

Curious how Philomath's stormwater system works? Expand the items below to learn more!

Stormwater is rain or snowmelt that flows over the ground. In natural areas, this water soaks into the soil. But in developed areas with hard surfaces like rooftops, streets, and parking lots, the water runs off quickly. This runoff can carry pollutants—like motor oil, fertilizer, paint, soap, and litter—into the stormwater system, which drains directly into local creeks and rivers without treatment.

If fish can't swim in it, birds can't drink it, or children shouldn't play in it—it doesn't belong in the storm drain.

To manage this runoff, the City of Philomath maintains a stormwater collection system that includes:

14 miles of stormwater pipes
4 miles of open ditches
2 miles of creeks and waterways
2 detention basins (with inspection of many more)
900 stormwater structures (manholes, catch basins, flow controls, etc.)

These systems are vital for reducing flooding, protecting water quality, and supporting healthy ecosystems.

In 1999, the City Council adopted a stormwater utility fee based on the amount of impervious surface area on properties. This fee supports:

Drainage system maintenance
Flooding response
Spill and illicit discharge investigations
Capital improvement projects
Regulatory compliance with environmental laws

Philomath operates under a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit as a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4). This permit, issued by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, ensures stormwater runoff is responsibly managed.

The City is required to:

Conduct assessments and reporting
Implement pollution prevention programs
Submit an annual report to DEQ

The current General Permit went into effect in March 2019 and is valid for five years.

Everyone plays a role in protecting Philomath’s waterways. Here are a few ways you can help:

Never dump anything down a storm drain
Sweep, don’t hose, debris from driveways and sidewalks
Use fertilizers and pesticides sparingly
Wash vehicles at commercial car washes
Pick up after pets

Check out the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Tips brochure for more ideas.

Visit the Benton County Stormwater Program for additional resources

Explore the City of Philomath’s Master Stormwater Program Plan

Contact Public Works for questions or concerns

Together, we can keep our waterways clean, our community safe, and Philomath beautiful.

Programs & Control Measures

This section outlines Philomath’s efforts to prevent water pollution through stormwater management programs, erosion and sediment control, and community education. The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit is a requirement of the federal Clean Water Act. It requires the…

Development, Codes & Ordinances

Stormwater Master Plan, Management Plan & Permit

Tips for Residents!

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No. Stormwater is not treated before being discharged to a steam or a river. This is why it is so important to keep trash, pet waste and contaminates out of the stormwater drains.

There are many small things you can do daily to help keep stormwater clean. Consider the following:

Wash your car in the grass instead of the street or take your vehicle to a carwash that uses recycled water.
Pick up trash from the street.
Plant a tree to provide shade for an impervious surface.

For other tips, reached out to the Public Works office for a brochure on how you can make difference with your local stormwater system.

A pervious surface is a surface that stormwater can soak into such as grass and flowerbeds.

An impervious surface is a surface that stormwater cannot soak into such as concrete and asphalt.

To report a clogged storm drain, contact your local public works department at 541-929-3579. Be sure to provide the exact location and, if possible, a description of the issue.

Numbers to Call

For emergencies, call 911
For damaging flooding or spills, call 541-929-6911 anytime, 541-929-3579 during normal business hours or 541-740-0163 weekends and after hours.
For non-urgent plugged storm drains, please call 541-929-3579, leave message if necessary.
To report surface water pollution, like leaking automobiles, large quantities of debris dumped on the street, or paint poured down a drain, please call 541-929-3579 or click the following link to contact us by email: Stormwater Issues

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Stormwater

If you’re experiencing a dangerous or are aware of an urgent stormwater issue, please CALL the Public Works office immediately at 541-929-3579. For non-emergency stormwater issues, you can report by submitting an email: Stormwater Issues.

Stormwater: Rainfall and Runoff

Philomath’s Stormwater System: What's in Place

City Services and Stormwater Utility Fee

Regulations and Permits

What You Can Do to Help

Development, Codes & Ordinances

Stormwater Master Plan, Management Plan & Permit

Tips for Residents!

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