Hillsborough Stormwater and Environmental Services

06/12/2026

Coming soon, we will be announcing the 2026 Stormwater Control Measure Owners of the Year!

A stormwater control measure (SCM) captures and treats stormwater runoff. If you see a pond near a shopping center, that’s probably an SCM. Other types include dry detention, swales, bioretention, level spreaders, and stormwater wetlands. The stormwater wetland in Gold Park is an SCM.

06/05/2026

Today, we were invited to talk to 3rd Graders at Hillsborough Elementary as part of their storm drain stenciling activity. The class painted messages to remind everyone to keep pollutants out of storm drains at their school. We talked to them about stormwater runoff, and the students shared ideas for how to keep stormwater clean. Great job HES Dolphins!

06/03/2026

June is National Rivers Month, and we have the Eno River to celebrate! Not only is it a favorite recreation spot, it's also the source of our drinking water. Read more about our drinking water source on our About Water page: https://www.hillsboroughnc.gov/about-us/departments/utilities/about-water

05/28/2026

This year, Orange County is raffling off a rain barrel as part of the Nature of Orange photo contest. There are a few more days to submit your entry! See Orange County's post for more info . . .

The rain came and you didn't have a rain barrel. Did you know this year each adult Nature of Orange Photography Contest entry receives a chance to win a FREE rain barrel?

Submit your entry today before the deadline for your chance to win!

The Nature of Orange Photography Contest 2026

All Adult Photo Entries Will Be Entered Into A FREE Rain Barrel Raffle!
Entry Deadline: May 31, 2026 (A few days remain!)

This Year's Theme: Water, Wetlands, and Wildlife

To Enter: Download the Entry Form at https://www.orangecountync.gov/937/Photo-Contest

For More Information: Call Abby Mattingly at 919-245-2510 or
email [email protected]

05/22/2026

As weather warms up, it's important to look out for algal blooms. In our division, we work to prevent these incidents as much as possible by enforcing nutrient pollutant load requirements and educating the public about pollution prevention. In the event that an algal bloom does occur, NC Department of Environmental Quality provides this resource for how to identify and report the issue.

What are some potential clues of a potential harmful algal bloom? Blue-green algae can look like spilled blue or green paint on the water, a floating mat, or scums along shorelines. Another clue is a foul odor.

Testing and analysis are required to confirm the presence of algae that can produce toxins.

Report a bloom online or call your Division of Water Resources regional office.

Learn more about how to potentially ID blue-green algae: https://www.deq.nc.gov/water-quality/water-sciences/identifying-cyanobacterial-blooms/download

05/13/2026

The Eno River provides habitat for the Neuse River Waterdog. You can help protect their habitat by preventing erosion and reducing sediment in stormwater runoff. Learn more about this rare species: https://www.fws.gov/species/neuse-river-waterdog-necturus-lewisi

05/07/2026

Invasive Chinese privet shades out native plants and can impact natural forest functions, which include water quality protection.
YOU CAN HELP by removing existing privet in your own yard and avoiding additional plantings. Native alternatives include Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria), Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera), and Inkberry (Ilex glabra).

Here's how to identify Chinese privet: https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/nc-forest-service/is02/open

Japanese privet is also a harmful invasive species:
https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/nc-forest-service/is18/download?attachment

04/23/2026

Please join us for a workshop and volunteering opportunity!

Saturday, May 2
9am to Noon
Odie Street Stream Stabilization project
(See registration link below for more details. )

It's been 1 year since this area was planted after the channel was restored with natural stream features. You'll learn about the benefits of native species and how to identify and control harmful invasives species. All volunteers will receive native species to plant at home.

Space is limited! Register at this link:
https://orangehabitat.volunteerhub.com/vv2/event/9a665069-52a3-4a6a-a541-1218ffd6c72c

This event is provided through a partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Orange County and Piedmont Conservation Council.

04/22/2026

Happy Earth Day Hillsborough! Thank you for helping keep our creeks and the Eno River clean for the fish, birds, people and all living things that depend on clean water and a healthy environment.

04/22/2026

Happy Earth Day! Celebrate with these two opportunities in Hillsborough:

Earth Day Celebration — Orange County will offer environmental and family hands-on activities at Blackwood Farm from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Stop by and chat with Hillsborough Stormwater and Environmental Services Manager Terry Hackett!

Environmental Forum — Utilities Director Marie Strandwitz will take part in the Hillsborough Climate Challenge's panel discussion entitled “Faucets to Floods: Who’s Footing the Bill?” from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Whitted Human Services Center, 300 W. Tryon St.