What is Stormwater?
The term 'stormwater' is surface water that flows across the land into creeks, rivers, and lakes. Surface water is a precious resource especially in Texas because it is the primary water supply for most cities. Our stormwater in Frisco will eventually enter into water supplies for other cities who provide drinking water to 5.3 million people.
Stormwater Regulations
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) have developed regulations pursuant to the Clean Water Act. In 1972 the EPA enacted the Clean Water Act to restore all “Waters of the United States” to their “fishable” and “swimmable” conditions.
In 1987 Congress broadened the Clean Water Act definition of "point source” to include industrial stormwater discharges and municipal separate storm sewer systems. Under these regulations, a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan must be developed to prevent or reduce pollutants in stormwater.
- In 2007 TCEQ issued a General Permit to discharge storm water to the smaller cities including Frisco. This required the development of a Stormwater Management Program (SWMP) to reduce the impacts of stormwater on our creeks, streams, and lakes. In addition to meeting the city’s current stormwater needs, the Stormwater Utility Fund provides the city with the tools necessary to meet the federal and state regulatory requirements.
-
- What is a Stormwater Management Program?
- It is a TCEQ list of measures such as pub
lic involvement and participation, municipal pollution prevention, and construction site runoff control. The creation and implementation of the SWMP will require an enormous commitment from the City, and community involvement is critical to its success.
-
Stormwater Management activities include several main categories: 
· Public Education
· Public Involvement and Participation
· Illicit Discharge and Detection and Elimination
· Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control
· Post Construction Stormwater Management
· Pollution Prevention and Good Keeping
What can you do to protect the stormwater?
You should be aware of these common pollutants and how you can help:
· Fertilizer (should be applied at appropriate rates or consider organic fertilizers)
· Herbicides and Pesticides (use only when necessary and consider natural alternatives)
· Yard Waste (dispose grass clippings and leaves appropriately or consider composting)
· Vehicle Fluids (should take precautions to not to spill and dispose properly)
· Hazardous Household Chemicals (should be disposed properly)
· Pet Waste (must be removed in parks and should consider yard cleaning)
· Trash/Litter (should not leave outside where it can be moved by wind or water.)
· Pool/Spa Water (allow water to declorinate for three days before discharging)
· Sediment (vegetate or mulch bare soil and protect dirt piles from washing away.)
Before beginning a grading project you should check the requirements of the Stormwater Ordinance and the TCEQ General Construction Permit.
What can community organizations do to help protect stormater?
Storm Drain Marking Project
Adopt A Street
If your organization needs a speaker or topic for an upcoming event, contact the Stormwater Administrator.