Water Quality Information

Stormwater Management Plan

What is stormwater?

Stormwater runoff carries pollutants into waterbodies. Stormwater is water from rain or melting snow that doesn't soak into the ground but runs off into waterways. It flows from rooftops, over paved areas and bare soil, and through sloped lawns while picking up a variety of materials on its way. The quality of runoff is affected by a variety of factors and depends on the season, local meteorology, geography and upon activities which lie in the path of the flow.

What's the Problem?

As it flows, stormwater runoff collects and transports pollutants to surface waters. Although the amount of pollutants from a single residential, commercial, industrial or construction site may seem unimportant, the combined concentrations of contaminants threaten our lakes, rivers, wetlands and other water bodies. Pollution conveyed by stormwater degrades the quality of drinking water, damages fisheries and habitat of plants and animals that depend on clean water for survival. Pollutants carried by stormwater can also affect recreational uses of water bodies by making them unsafe for wading, swimming, boating and fishing. According to an inventory conducted by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), half of the impaired waterways are affected by urban/suburban and construction sources of stormwater runoff.

View Our Stormwater Management Plan here

Skin Care Basics

How to treat dry skin: Tips for relief

What causes dry skin

  • Keep baths and showers short. Use warm, not hot water, and a mild soap. Gently pat the skin dry.
  • Apply moisturizer after getting out of the shower or bath. Ointments and creams tend to be more effective than lotions.
  • Read ingredients on skin care products. Deodorant soaps, alcohol-based toners, and products that contain fragrance can irritate dry, sensitive skin.
  • Use a humidifier to add much-needed moisture to the air.
  • Wear soft fabrics that breathe, such as 100% cotton. If you want to wear wool and other rough fabrics, wear a soft fabric underneath.
  • Don’t skimp on hand washing, which can remove harmful bacteria and viruses. If you need to wash your hands frequently, hand sanitizers are a good alternative.
  • Apply hand cream after each hand washing. If more relief is needed, dab petroleum jelly on your hands before bed. If your hands are frequently immersed in water, wear waterproof gloves to help protect them.
  • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Additional things to consider:  

  • Laundry detergent brand.
  • Fabric softener added or not used.
  • Soap brand.
  • Foods that were recently added or changed brands
  • Medications
  • Lotion or creams
  • Makeup or other items put on skin
  • Cologne or perfumes worn by individual or others near the individual
  • Air fresheners
  • Wrinkle remover spray
  • Starch sprayed on clothing
  • Energy drinks
  • Whey protein

See also:

Mayo Clinic Contact Dermatitis Page

American Academy of Dermatology Association Webpage

Lead Testing Survey

There has been a lot of local and national media coverage recently regarding lead in drinking water.In an effort to be as proactive as possible, Binghamton University contracted with Microbac Labs to conduct water testing for leadin a sampling of buildings on campus during the week of March 28, 2016.

Since lead piping and lead solder have not been allowed in new construction since the1980's, we focused most of our attention on older buildings on campus, a few newer, and also included the Institute for Child Development and Campus PreSchool since they house the population most vulnerable to lead. 

The sample collection method called for the water source to be inactive for at least 6hours prior to collection. We collected a total of 82 representative samples from the selected buildings.

All samples were below the EPA Safe Drinking Water Act action level for Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) (1991) of 0.015 mg/L (15 ppb) and below The Lead Contamination Control Act (LCCA) (1988) of 0.020 mg/L (20 ppb).

SEE THE FULL RESULTS PAGE