Storm Water Management

Storm Sewer PipeThe City of Stow is charged with managing the City's stormwater system, which includes 56,500 linear feet of storm sewer pipe, 281 stormwater discharge points that must be inspected, and 252 stormwater management facilities (retention and detention ponds, water quality ponds, bio-swales, etc.) inspected yearly.

The staff is continually improving and making repairs on existing storm sewers, evaluating drainage concerns, and addressing new problem areas that arise. The City must abide by the NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) requirements established by the EPA, and must be in compliance with NPDES permit requirements.

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II Program

The EPA's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II program is heading towards completion in the City of Stow. As part of the requirements for cities like Stow, the program requires that the City meet six "minimum control measures" as listed below:

  • Public Education and Awareness
  • Public Participation and Involvement
  • Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
  • Construction Site Runoff
  • Control Post-Construction Site Runoff
  • Control Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping

The City of Stow is working with the Summit County Engineer's Office, Summit Soil and Water Conservation District, Summit County Health Department, and other government entities to meet the EPA's requirements.

Pond Maintenance Private Property

Residents that have a stormwater facility on their property that requires inspection and maintenance, are responsible for completing maintenance to bring the facility into compliance. These facilities could include detention or retention ponds, bio-swales, bio-retention areas, or other best management practices (BMPs) approved by the Ohio EPA. For information about private property pond maintenance,

Storm Water Public Education & Resources

  1. Backyard Stream Tips (PDF)
  2. Clean Storm Water Starts at Home (PDF)
  3. Get the Scoop on Pet Waste (PDF)
  4. Milkweed for Monarchs (PDF)
  5. Natures Revenge (PDF)
  6. Protect Our Rivers and Streams Pick Up Pet Waste (PDF)
  7. Spring Mower Maintenance (PDF)
  8. Steer Clear of Pollutants (PDF)
  9. The Road to Clean Water (PDF)

Mud Brook Stream Restoration Project

On August 10, 2015 the City of Stow was awarded a Section 319(h) Nonpoint Source Grant from the Ohio EPA for a stream restoration project on a Mud Brook Tributary. The scope of work will include 2400 linear feet of the stream bed and flood plain improvement in the 10.2 Acre undeveloped parcel adjacent to The Meadows Subdivision Phases One and Two and Silver Lake Country Club. The project utilizes low-impact green infrastructure methods to meet the EPA standards for water quality. For a map of the project area, view the Map Mud Brook Stream Restoration Project (PDF).

F.E.M.A.

The NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program), established by FEMA, studies and issues documents defining flood hazard areas nationwide. The products developed include maps, referred to as FIRMs (Flood Insurance Rate Map) and studies called FISs (Flood Insurance Study).

Please be advised that a revision to these documents for the City of Stow and surrounding counties/municipalities, has been released. To view maps and information view the FEMA Flood Map Service Center website.