PHILLIPSBURG, N.J. (Warren County) — Phillipsburg officials are reminding the public to take steps to prevent pollutants from entering the town’s stormwater system and waterways.
In a 2026 stormwater management message, Mayor Randy Piazza Jr. said keeping common pollutants out of stormwater can help protect the water supply and reduce taxpayer costs associated with cleaning the water.
Town officials said pollutants can include litter and packaging as well as less obvious materials such as fertilizers, oils, pesticides, detergents, grass clippings and pet waste. Those materials can remain on lawns or streets until rainfall carries them into storm sewers and waterways.
Phillipsburg has adopted several ordinances aimed at preventing everyday stormwater pollution and is encouraging the public to properly dispose of yard waste, keep leaves and other debris away from storm drains and use fertilizers only when necessary.
The town also recommends cleaning up pet waste, avoiding feeding wildlife, controlling erosion and surface water runoff, recycling and properly disposing of litter.
Officials stressed that nothing other than stormwater should be dumped or spilled into the storm sewer system. Storm drains are not designed to handle substances such as paint, cleaning solutions or other pollutants, according to the town.
The public is also encouraged to report potential stormwater problems rather than assuming they have already been reported.
Non-emergency concerns can be submitted through the town’s online “Report A Concern” system or by texting the town’s 24-hour number at 908-836-6016. Immediate issues, such as someone dumping garbage into a brook or wastewater into a storm drain, should be reported to the Phillipsburg Police Department’s non-emergency number at 908-835-2002.
Additional stormwater information is available through the town and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
