Off Right-of-Way Program

The Off Right-of-Way Assistance Program is designed to provide an open channel solution to improve stormwater problems that a property owner may be experiencing. Open channel solutions are preferred due to the overall water quality benefit to Gastonia's creek system.

This is a cost-sharing program that only requires the property owner to contribute 10% of the estimated material cost, or up to the amount listed below.

Requests are prioritized based on the threat to existing structures and the order received.

Duharts Creek Critical Infrastructure Protection and Stream Restoration Project

Stay up to date on the latest project happenings and be informed about key milestones and dates. More information coming soon! Learn more about Duharts Creek project updates

What is stormwater?

Stormwater is rainwater that collects on our rooftops, parking lots, roadways, and other impervious (hard) surfaces. This water flows directly into the storm drainage system to our local rivers and streams. As stormwater flows along, it can pick up harmful pollutants (such as automotive fluids, trash, pet waste, fertilizers, and pesticides) which can impact our drinking water and the wildlife that live in and near our rivers and streams.

What is impervious area?

Impervious area is any land cover that prevents water from infiltrating the ground. Parking lots, roads, rooftops, and sidewalks are examples of impervious areas. As development takes place, impervious area increases, which creates additional stormwater runoff. Runoff can carry harmful chemicals and debris into our waterways and create stormwater pollution.

What does the City of Gastonia do to combat stormwater pollution?

• Street sweeping to remove potential debris
• Erosion and sediment control measures on construction sites
• Installation of stormwater control measures (SCMs) to manage and treat stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces

What is a watershed?

A watershed is an area of land that drains all the creeks, rivers, and streams into a common outlet. The City of Gastonia has four major watersheds:

• Catawba Creek
• Long Creek
• Duharts Creek
• Crowders Creek

Do you know which watershed you live in? Check the watershed map to find out.

City Outreach

The City works to educate its citizens about stormwater stewardship and the steps individual homeowners can take to be an active participant in stormwater solutions! To help achieve our goals, the City partners with other organizations and agencies to spread stormwater education and participate in outreach events.

Keep Gastonia Beautiful is an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, Inc., and aims to protect the environment through education, awareness, and public citizen involvement. To learn more about their work and their connection with the City's stormwater department, visit Keep Gastonia Beautiful.

The Regional Stormwater Partnership of the Carolinas (RSPC) allows municipalities to work collaboratively on stormwater issues. They work with Rising Solutions, PLLC, an environmental consulting firm, to generate ideas for local stormwater issues and formulate effective resolutions. The RSPC helps facilitate communication between the City of Gastonia and surrounding municipalities. To learn more, visit the Regional Stormwater Partnership of the Carolinas.