The Clean Water Act of 1972 has led to improvements in water quality with regard to point source discharges, such as industrial and wastewater treatment plant outfalls, through NPDES (National Permit Discharge Elimination System) permits.  However, non-point source discharges, such as stormwater runoff, have become the leading cause of degradation, resulting in many waters of the state falling short of meeting their designated uses.  These uses include swimming, fishing, recreation, aquatic life, and drinking water sources.  In Johnson City and other urban areas, contaminated runoff originates from parking lots, residential/commercial/industrial developments, and redevelopment areas.  The primary pollutants are sediment, oil, grease, and bacteria.  The passage of federal and state stormwater regulations for small and medium-sized cities led to Johnson City obtaining a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) NPDES Phase II permit in 2003.

The City of Johnson City develops, implements, reviews, and enforces a Stormwater Management Program to protect water quality in our streams.  The six elements of the stormwater program are listed below as well as housed within the navigation tab on this webpage.

1. Public Education and Outreach on Storm Water Impacts
2. Public Involvement and Participation
3. Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
4. Construction Site Storm Water Runoff Control
5. Permanent Storm Water Management in New Developments and Re-development
6. Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations