While the health of streams, lakes, and aquatic life is impacted by heavy rains and floods, people are the heaviest polluters of our waterways. Washing oils, gas, pesticides, fertilizers, and other toxins into stormwater collection systems puts our drinking water supplies at risk, and increases the time and costs required to monitor and effectively treat water with these pollutants.
Stormwater runoff is generated by precipitation that flows from rooftops, pavement, lawns, and bare soil. As stormwater runoff moves across these surfaces, it can pick up and transport pollutants to storm drains, which are connected to streams, rivers, and lakes. These pollutants can cause a number of water quality issues, including toxic algal blooms, fish kills, floating trash and debris, and higher drinking water treatment costs. Here are things you can do to help prevent stormwater pollution.
Many of the communities North Texas Municipal Water District serves have active stormwater management programs as required by the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality. Visit your city's website to learn more.