At the 2025 North Boroughs Community Day, visitors had the opportunity to learn about how stormwater affects our environment through interactive models. These displays were part of our ongoing efforts to educate the public on MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) and the importance of managing runoff. Below are the handouts that were at our table. Click on each one to learn more.
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Urban runoff model
From left to right, each section of the model represents a different landscape type - from heavily urbanized to rain garden - and demonstrates how each one impacts runoff into our storm drains and rivers.
The first section is an urban area with impervious surfaces like parking lots with no vegetation. The second section shows an urban residential property with a house, pavement, and some grass. Section three represents a more suburban residence with a home, little pavement, and more vegetation. The rightmost section consists of large green sponges to mimic water in a retention area like a rain garden.
The goal of the model is to show that landscapes dominated by impervious surfaces lead to overwhelmed storm drain systems, increased runoff/flood risk, and stormwater pollution. On the other hand, nature-based landscapes promote water infiltration, natural filtering/pollutant removal, and slow runoff rates/lower flood risk.
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Photos by Avalon Borough Manager Lorraine Makatura
diy Water filter model
This hands-on bottle filter demonstrates how natural materials such as gravel, sand, charcoal, and cotton can help clean dirty water. It provides a visual example of how soil and vegetation in our landscapes can help filter pollutants before they enter our stormwater system or local waterways.
This model helps explain how our landscapes can reduce stormwater pollution through natural filtration. Incorporating rain gardens or other nature-based solutions in our built environment can filter pollutants out of our stormwater.
Rain gardens keep our stormwater under control and minimize pollution. Click on the rain garden pamphlet above for more information. Remember: only rain should go down the storm drain! Keep our rivers clean!
Storm Water Management
This site will explain the importance of managing storm water before it reaches our creeks and rivers. See how we can all help keep our watersheds free of pollution by keeping our neighborhood streets free of litter, managing pesticides, maintaining our vehicles properly, and cleaning up after our pets.
We can also manage storm water by increasing green space - collecting rain water in rain barrels and using that water for our gardens.
Get involved in community clean up days. Be sure to notify the Borough if you see clogged catch basins or a discharge of water that is not clear or has an odor. Everyone can help. Your help is greatly appreciated!
Get involved in community clean up days. Be sure to notify the Borough if you see clogged catch basins or a discharge of water that is not clear or has an odor. Everyone can help. Your help is greatly appreciated!
Click on the fish icon to learn what Storm Water Management means to Avalon Borough.
A CELEBRATION OF LEARNING & COMMUNITYA cooperative project between
Avalon Borough & Avalon Elementary School.
Visit MS4-101-2016 to see student projects and videos.
Do you see garbage being thrown in the catch basins?
Oil running down the street?
Trash in Spruce Run creek by the pool?
Report all Illicit Discharges on the form below and email it to info@boroughofavalon.org
or call the Borough Administration Office at 412-761-5820.