Storm Water
Related Areas
|
Department of Public Services
STORM WATER
Storm water is any form of precipitation, such as rainfall and snowmelt, which flows across the surface of the ground. Storm water that does not soak into the ground becomes surface runoff, which either flows into storm sewers or surface waterways or receiving streams. The term storm water may also be used to apply to water that originates from overwatering of landscapes and enters the stormwater system.
Although a natural part of the water cycle, storm water runoff can also be an environmental concern. Pollutants can enter surface waters such as our lakes, creeks, streams, and other natural waters when they are picked by the storm water. Daily activities result in the deposit of pollutants on roads, lawns, roofs, and farms create polluted runoff when irrigation or precipitation events introduce the contaminants into the receiving waters. | 
Runoff flowing into
a stormwater drain
|
 | The pollutants found in storm water runoff come from a wide range of sources. Many homeowners unknowingly apply excessive amounts of lawn fertilizers and pesticides to their yards and over-water their lawns, introducing significant amounts of harmful chemicals into the environment. Oil, grease, and fuel residue, from automotive use, are present on parking lots and roadways and are washed into our surface waters each time it rains. Even household garbage, leaves, and grass cuttings can pose a threat to water quality and proper drainage. |
| One of the greatest potential contributors to storm water pollution is the development of land. Land development is essential to the growth of our community and economy, but it can also impact the quality of our water. Development and construction activities usually result in disturbance of soils and removal of the natural vegetation. These activities can accelerate erosion, and if the appropriate preventive measures are not taken, those soils can be washed into the storm drain system during rain events causing blockage and pollution of our lakes, creeks and streams. |
 | At the left, an impaired silt fence fails to hold in sediments. This is one of the issues that Storm Water Inspectors look for on construction project inspections.
Another factor associated with development is the conversion of the natural landscape to large areas of impervious surfaces such as streets and parking lots. These artificial surfaces create even larger, rapid-flowing volumes of storm water runoff, and hold pollutants on their surfaces, such as oil and other chemicals that mix with the storm water as it flows across them. |
| The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) estimates that each year millions of gallons of used motor oil and thousands of pounds of pet wastes are washed into our creeks, streams and lakes. Every individual can have an effect on storm water quality, and because there are thousands of individuals in our city, we can have an enormous impact as a community. Commercial businesses and industries are also potential contributors to storm water pollution. | 
Runoff holding ponds |
|
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the TCEQ have developed regulations pursuant to the Clean Water Act. The goal of the Clean Water Act is to restore all “Waters of the United States” to their “fishable” and “swimmable” conditions. To address the nationwide problem of stormwater pollution, in 1987 Congress broadened the Clean Water Act definition of ‘point source” to include industrial stormwater discharges and municipal separate storm sewer systems “MS4” These facilities were required to obtain National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits. These new requirements were promulgated in two phases: Phase I and Phase II. Phase I required that all municipalities of 100,000 persons or more, industrial dischargers, and construction sites of 5 acres or more have NPDES permits for their stormwater discharges. Phase II required that all municipalities, industrial dischargers, construction sites of 1 acre or more and other large property owners have NPDES permits for their stormwater discharges. Phase II rules came into effect in 2003.
A Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan that prevents or reduces pollutants in storm water must be developed under the regulations. As of August 13, 2007, cities, including Lewisville, will now be required to develop a Storm Water Management Program (SWMP) to reduce the impacts of storm water on our creeks, streams, and lakes. This management program will incorporate measures such as public involvement and participation, municipal pollution prevention and good housekeeping, and construction site runoff control. The City of Lewisville is developing public education programs to inform its residents and businesses of the benefits of preventing storm water pollution. Additionally, the City is reviewing current development ordinances and enforcement procedures to ensure that residents, businesses, contractors, and developers are fully aware of what their responsibilities are and what is expected of them to protect area water sources. The creation and implementation of the SWMP will require an enormous commitment from the City, and community involvement is critical to its success.
If you would like more information on the City of Lewisville’s Storm Water Management Plan, contact the Department of Public Services, Storm Water Division at (972) 219-3507. Together, we can help ensure an abundant supply of clean water for years to come.
Storm Water Management Plan and Ordinance
If you have questions, or would like to submit a comment about the City of Lewisville Storm Water Management Plan, please contact the Storm Water Division at (972) 219-3507 or jlongbine@cityoflewisville.com.
Storm Water Management Plan
Storm Water Ordinance
Storm Water Public Education:
Public Service Announcements
Publications
Reporting Storm Water Issues
If you would like to report a storm water related issue in the City of Lewisville, please visit the Citizen’s Response Center. Citizen's Response Center Link or call the Emergency Hotline at 972/219-3510.
Community Involvement Opportunities:
If you would like more information on how you can participate in these community programs, please call the Environmental Programs Office at (972) 219-3503.
Household Hazardous Waste Disposal
Storm Drain Marking Program
Keep Lewisville Beautiful
Texas Smartscape
Additional Information Sources on Storm Water:
North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG)
Texas Council on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)
United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
If you would like more information on developing a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan, choosing and
implementing construction site Best Management Practices, or general information about your responsibilities
as a construction site operator, you can download or order a copy of the NCTCOG Design Manual for
Construction.
Additional Information Sources on Watershed Protection:
United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Center for Watershed Protection (CWP)
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) |
){kind=link}