Residents
Everyone in the community has a part in preventing pollutants from entering storm drain inlets where they live and work. The Stormwater Ordinance (PDF) requires certain activities to reduce pollutants.
Here are ways you can reduce pollutants.
Apply the Recommended Rate of Fertilizer
Nitrogen and phosphorus, which are in fertilizer, are pollutants of concern in our area. High levels lead to excessive algae growth in downstream water supplies resulting in foul tasting water. So you can save money, use less water, and protect the water by applying Appropriate Rates (PDF) (or less) or consider organic fertilizers. Never use high nitrogen fertilizers like 34-0-0. You should avoid fertilizing immediately before a storm, which will wash it downstream.
Don't Use the Street For Yard Waste Disposal
If you sweep or use a leaf blower, direct the waste back into the grass or dispose of it properly. If you have a side chute mower, direct it away from street. Yard waste should be properly disposed. If you have a landscape company, ensure they are properly disposing of waste.
Limit the Use of Yard Chemicals
Use chemicals only as a last resort and consider natural alternatives. Pesticides kill beneficial insects that help your landscape. Consider planting native plants, which require less maintenance.
Keep Your Yard Clean
Dispose of trash and litter, which can be windblown or carried away by stormwater. Bag and dispose of your pet's waste in a garbage can.
Other Activities
- Instead of washing your car in the driveway, take your car to a commercial washing facility where the water is recycled.
- Repair your vehicle leaks as soon as possible. If you have a big leak which you can't repair, consider parking your vehicle at night over a drip pan.
- Dispose of used oil, oil filters, antifreeze, chemicals, and other acceptable products at the Environmental Collection Center.
- Store chemicals, oils, and automotive parts in an area protected from the rain.
Watersheds
A watershed is an area of land that contributes water to a lake, river, or stream. All of Frisco flows into the Trinity River from 3 watersheds. The majority of the city, 76.7%, flows into the Elm Fork of the Trinity.
Our stormwater does not go to a treatment plant; it flows into lakes which are used for the drinking water supply of other cities who provide drinking water to 5.3 million people.
Riparian Corridors
A riparian corridor is an ecosystem that includes the stream channel, floodplain, and transitional upland fringe. Riparian corridors play important roles in water supply, reduction of floodwater and recreational landscaping.
They can also provide habitat and migration corridors for aquatic and terrestrial wildlife, can buffer pollutants, can recharge groundwater, and can cycle and convert energy and nutrients.
Property values increase by having a properly functioning riparian ecosystem. Protection of these ecosystems with buffers can provide open space that is a valuable community resource.Riparian corridors in urban areas are extremely critical because the corridor can often be the last natural component of the ecosystem that can provide protection of water quality, flow regime (the condition of a river with respect to the rate of its flow), and aquatic and terrestrial habitat.
The Subdivision Ordinance provides information about protection to major creeks falling within the 100-year floodplain of the City of Frisco and its ETJ (Extra-territorial Jurisdiction). Tributaries or stream channels that are not protected from development by the Major Creek Ordinance are protected by buffers recommended through site evaluations and based on the 2004 Final Riparian and Wetland Assessment.
View Frisco's Stream Reaches Map (PDF). The green numbers on the map indicate the general ranking of the stream reaches, with the lowest number representing the most functional reach.
Visit Texas Riparian for more information on Riparian Corridors.
How Community Organizations Can Help
If your organization needs a speaker or information for an upcoming event, email the Stormwater Manager.
Click on image below for Stormwater Assets in Frisco (PDF)
Drainage and Flooding
Several city departments are responsible for different aspects of drainage, depending on the situation. For emergencies related to flooding, please call 911. For non-emergencies:
- On or along streets and other public property, contact Public Works
- On developed property, including buildings under construction, contact Building Inspections
- For floodplain issues, contact Floodplain Administration at 972-292-5438
- For all other issues, email the Stormwater Manager or call 972-292-5861