“Rain Tax” Helps Keep Pollution from Waterways

The federal government is toughening limits on how much storm water can enter rivers and lakes. For many cities, it’s proving expensive - especially in older communities, where water pipes are crumbling and in need of repair. To fix those systems, some local governments are starting to charge residents a stormwater utility fee, or "rain tax."

Produced by The Allegheny Front

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Resources

  • Rebuilding Together Philadelphia
    Community ActionRebuilding Together PhiladelphiaDownload a homeowner application for a home in need of essential repairs, organize a block build, or for more information on community projects visit Rebuilding Together Philadelphia - a not-for-profit organization bringing volunteers and communities together to improve the homes and lives of low-income areas.
  • Take Action Interactive: How to Make Your Community Sustainable
    Community ActionTake Action Interactive: How to Make Your Community SustainableExplore ways to take action in your own community through an interactive from Sustainable Cities.
  • Rocking the Boat
    Community ActionRocking the BoatRocking the Boat empowers young people to develop confidence and skills through educational programming centered around river restoration and community revitalization.
  • River Clean-Up
    Community ActionRiver Clean-UpLearn more about making an impact on the health of rivers and communities nationwide with resources from American Rivers.
  • Networking to protect and restore waters
    Learn MoreNetworking to protect and restore watersProtecting and restoring Schuylkill Waters through partnerships with organizations, businesses and governments is a priority of the Schuylkill Action Network.
  • Surf Your Watershed
    Learn MoreSurf Your WatershedFind your watershed and discover the organizations that are working to protect water quality by visiting the Environmental Protection Agency.
  • Sustainable Cities
    Community ActionSustainable CitiesLearn more about the work done to advance the social, economic, and environmental sustainability of American's cities and towns from the Sustainable Cities Institute.
  • How to Build a Downspout Planter
    Individual ActionHow to Build a Downspout PlanterFollow these instructions to build your own self-watering, downspout planter from the Philadelphia Water Department.