Report Problem or Violation

What to Report

Citizens can help report violations or problems they notice in their local streams before more damage and pollution occurs. You may be the first to recognize illicit discharges. This typically are any other flows other than rainwater being directed into storm sewers or out of pipes into streams. Dry weather flows defined as flows from stormwater outfall pipes after a 48-hour period without rain, should also be reported to your municipality for further investigation.

New stormwater regulations from Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) require that your municipality investigate more thoroughly potentially illicit discharges into our streams. You can help by promptly reporting the following events to the authorities listed below.

Reportable Problems or Violations

  • Clogged or leaking sewer lines
  • Dry weather flows from outfall pipes into streams
  • Dumping, spills, or other directed discharges, other than rainwater, into storm sewers or streams
  • Inadequately treated discharges from sewage treatment plants
  • Fish kills
  • Observed pollution event or pollutants in streams
  • Sediment leaving a construction site during rain events and other violations
  • Water main breaks

Who to Call

IssueContactAvailabilityPhone NumberAdditional Information
Water QualityDEP Water Quality HotlineAnytime Including Weekends and Evenings484-250-5990
Water Quality ComplaintsDEP Water Quality ComplaintsWeekdays
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.		484-250-5991
Off-Site Discharge of Sediment, Erosion, and Other Improper Controls During ConstructionChester County Conservation District
610-925-4920Send Photo, Full Address, and Directions
Clogged or Leaking Sanitary Sewer LinesBorough of West ChesterWeekdays610-696-5282After Hours and on Weekends, Call West Chester Police at 610-696-2700
Sewage Smell in CreekBorough of West ChesterWeekdays610-696-5282After Hours and on Weekends, Call West Chester Police at 610-696-2700

Illegal Discharges Into Creeks or Storm DrainsBorough of West ChesterWeekdays610-696-5282After Hours and on Weekends, Call West Chester Police at 610-696-2700
Fish KillsPennsylvania Fish and Boat CommissionAnytime717-626-0228For 24-Hour Service, Call DEP Hotline at 484-250-5900
Dry Weather Outfall FlowsBorough of West ChesterWeekdays610-696-5282
Broken Water MainsAqua PennsylvaniaAnytime610-525-1402