Does the stormwater department clean and maintain roadside ditches?
No, roadside ditches are the responsibility of the property owner to keep clean and free of debris.
Do I need a permit from the City for my proposed development?
If your project is less that one acre you will only need a permit from the Gaston County Department of Natural Resources. Projects greater than one acre will require stormwater control measures and City of Gastonia permitting.
What is the stormwater fee and why do I have to pay it?
The stormwater utility fee is a fee required by the state of NC to maintain infrastructure and fund public projects. Stormwater fees are based on imperious surface and are calculated using a standard of measure called an Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU). The monthly fee for one ERU is $5.00. All residential units are charged one (1) ERU per month, and non-residential properties are charged based on the ERUs per site.
What is a floodplain and how do I know if my property is within a floodplain?
A floodplain is a flat or low-lying area of land that is adjacent to a river or stream. These areas are commonly subject to flooding. For more information about floodplains, check out our Stormwater & Floodplain Regulations Page.
Can I drain my swimming pool in my yard?
Yes, you can drain your swimming pool in your yard. We advise that you wait at least 4 days after the last chemical addition to begin draining. This allows for the chlorine to be dissipated prior to being discharged into the environment.
Who picks up leaves from the road?
The City of Gastonia does roadside trash pickup. Please visit the Yard Waste page for more information about yard waste collection.
Who do I contact to report an illicit discharge?
An illicit discharge is a chemical or non-natural discharge of a material into the waterways. This includes substances such as paint, gasoline, and oil. If you notice that there is an unusual substance in the water or a possible illicit discharge, please contact the stormwater department.
I have an easement on my property. What am I responsible for in this area? How does this differ from the Right-of-Way?
The maintenance of an easement is the responsibility of the property owner. For more information about easements and Right-of-Ways, please visit the Post Construction Management Page.
How do I find out what watershed I live in?
If you’re unsure which watershed you live in check the map on the Stormwater Education page. If you’re unable to determine which watershed you’re a part of, call the stormwater department for more details.
How can I find out the total amount of rainfall from a recent storm?
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has rain gauges to help determine the rainfall amount from a recent storm. Currently, you can view this website (https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/351452081055245/#parameterCode=00045&period=P7D&showMedian=true) to view the rainfall at Duharts Creek. The City is currently working with USGS to get rain gauges for each watershed.
What can I do to improve water quality and be an active watershed steward in my community?
Check out our Stormwater Education page to familiarize yourself with ways you can participate the community. Keep Gastonia Beautiful hold numerous outreach events each year, and those events can be viewed on their website. To reduce your impact and improve water quality in your watershed, reduce your use of pesticides and herbicides, pick up litter or other debris that can clog pipes and water systems, and report illicit discharges to your local stormwater staff.
