Welcome to the Neponset Stormwater Partnership
Working together to reduce pollution and protect local waterways in the Neponset Watershed.
Stormwater runoff is the #1 cause of water pollution in the Neponset River Watershed.
Water pollution from rainstorms occurs when bacteria, chemicals, and trash get washed into storm drains from impervious surfaces, like streets, driveways, parking lots, industrial sites, and construction sites. This polluted stormwater runoff enters local streams and ponds — untreated — and affects our drinking water resources, swimming, boating, fishing, wildlife, and fish habitats.
Report Dumping & Pollution!
Email us at stormwater@neponset.org or call 781-575-0354 x 300. If we can’t solve the problem or answer the question on the spot, we will relay it to the appropriate agency for further action.
Lawn Care
Our lawns are connected to our waterways. Small changes in how we care for grass and soil can make a big difference for local rivers, streams, and ponds.
Take the next step toward Water Smart landscaping.
Property Owners: Be Part of the Clean Water Solution. Take Action…
Landscapers: Protect Water. Strengthen Your Business. Explore Best Practices…
Pet Waste
Pick up after your dog! Dogs produce a lot of waste, which, if not picked up, can pose a health threat to swimmers, wildlife, and water quality.
Pet waste left on the ground doesn’t just disappear—it can wash into rivers and streams, polluting the water with harmful bacteria and creating problems for both people and wildlife.
Every time you walk your dog, remember to:
- Carry waste bags
- Scoop the poop
- Dispose of waste in a trash can
Show your love for clean water—and your dog!
Share a photo of your pup and tag @neprwa on social media. We’ll feature your dog on their best behavior and inspire fellow dog walkers to scoop the poop!
Let’s work together for cleaner parks, healthier rivers, and happier pups!
The Dirty Truth About Dog Poop
Dog poop might seem natural, but it can be worse for the environment than wild animal waste. That’s because dogs eat processed foods with additives and extra protein, so their poop has more harmful bacteria and parasites.
Many people think dog poop just breaks down on its own and isn’t a big deal. But when lots of dogs use the same area, it adds up. Dog waste takes a long time to break down, and while it sits there, it can spread harmful bacteria and parasites into the environment.
You might ask, “Dogs have been pooping for years—why is it a problem now?” In our cities and towns, many dogs live close together, and their waste builds up fast. If it’s not picked up, the bacteria washes into rivers and streams, harming water quality, recreation, and wildlife.
That’s why it’s so important to pick up after your dog—to keep neighborhoods clean and waterways safe.
Ice Melt
The products we use to melt ice can have lasting effects on water quality, so a little care in what you choose and how you apply it can make a big difference.
Chemicals from ice melt eventually find their way into rivers and streams, permeating our groundwater and posing potential risks to water supplies, pets, plants, and aquatic life.
Some de-icing chemicals harden the soil and make it too salty for plant growth, others overload it with nutrients that can reduce oxygen levels in nearby streams and ponds. Still, other products corrode concrete, roadways, bridges, and cars.
While creating a safe environment during icy weather is a top priority, it’s also important to choose an ice melt that won’t harm our environment.
Our de-icing suggestions:
- Avoid Sodium Chloride or “rock salt”. Traditional rock salt (sodium chloride) is pretty much the worst of all available options.
- Look for “Pet Safe” and “CMA”. Products marketed as “Pet-Safe” will also be eco-friendly. Products containing a significant amount of calcium magnesium acetate, or “CMA,” are some of the most benign options commonly available.
- Use the right amount! Use 1 cup of product per 500 square feet and never exceed the application rate on the package. Using too much product can damage surfaces and harm the environment.
- Apply in advance of a winter storm. Early attention before a storm will help prevent the formation of ice. When the snow starts falling, the ice melt will create a brine solution, helping to prevent ice from bonding to the surface.
- Disperse ice melt properly. Contrary to popular opinion, using large amounts of ice melt does not affect the speed at which ice and snow melt. Using too much product can damage surfaces and harm the environment.
- Use a mechanical spreader for accurate coverage. The proper coverage rate is about one cup per square yard. This coverage will fan out and undercut the ice so that you can shovel the walkway clear.
- Continue to disperse ice melt during a storm. This helps to prevent snow from becoming hard-packed on surfaces.
- Don’t use salt as a substitute for shoveling. Sometimes, a better shoveling job upfront will eliminate the need for ice melt altogether or let you get away with a bit of sand instead (though overuse of sand can also be a problem).
Read below to learn how you can help to reduce stormwater pollution in your community.
Residents
Simple changes around your home can make a big difference. To start, limit lawn chemical use and always pick up after your dog. More…
Businesses
Keep paved areas clean and well-maintained to prevent pollutants from washing into storm drains and causing issues. More…
Construction
Protect your business and your clients by installing construction site stormwater best management practices. More…
Industry
Get ahead of pollution problems by reducing or eliminating the sources of contaminated runoff—helping you avoid costly cleanups later. More…
A Regional Partnership Keeping Our Water Clean
The Neponset Stormwater Partnership (NSP) is a regional cooperation and resource-sharing program in the Neponset Watershed that was formed to help reduce the water quality problems caused by polluted stormwater runoff.
NSP partners include the towns of Avon, Canton, Dedham, Foxborough, Medfield, Milton, Norwood, Quincy, Randolph, Sharon, Stoughton, Walpole, and Westwood, along with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC).
This website provides resources to help residents, businesses, property managers, and municipal employees reduce stormwater pollution.
For more information about NSP, please email NepRWA Managing Director for Community Resilience, Kerry Snyder
The Neponset Stormwater Partnership is Managed by the Neponset River Watershed Association
The Neponset Stormwater Partnership (NSP) is managed by the Neponset River Watershed Association (NepRWA), a non-profit grass-roots organization founded in 1967, with a mission to protect and restore the natural resources of the Neponset River, its tributaries, and surrounding watershed lands for the benefit of present and future generations.
You can learn more about NepRWA and the programs they manage at neponset.org
