Stormwater

About Stormwater

The term stormwater refers to surface water that flows across the land into creeks, rivers and lakes. When it rains, stormwater runoff picks up pollutants such as litter, fertilizer, grass clippings or pet waste and carries them down the storm drain. Storm drains channel water directly into the waterway without any treatment or filtration. It will eventually find its way to area lakes, which are the primary water supply for most cities in Texas. 

  1. Stormwater Regulations
  2. Reporting Stormwater Issues

Stormwater Regulations

The City Stormwater Discharge Ordinance (PDF) was adopted to comply with the TCEQ Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit (PDF). This required the development of a Stormwater Management Program (SWMP) (PDF) to protect water quality to the maximum extent practicable. The Stormwater Utility Fee was established to provide funds necessary to meet the regulatory requirements.

The permit required the SWMP to include six minimum control measures. These are:

  • Public Education, Outreach and Involvement
  • Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
  • Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control
  • Post Construction Stormwater Management
  • Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations
  • Industrial Stormwater Sources

The permit also requires an annual report. The latest report can be seen here (PDF).

Additional Resources

Residents

Residents

Construction

Construction

HOA Stormwater Management

Homeowner Associations

Stormwater Features

Stormwater Features

Stormwater Fee Credits

Non-residential property managers have opportunities to improve stormwater quality. For this reason, the Stormwater Fee Credit program (PDF) was developed to encourage implementation and maintenance of activities and structures that improve stormwater quality.