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Storm Water Management Plan




What is storm water?
Storm water is rain that travels down gutters into the storm drains, flowing directly into waterways such as bayous, lakes and Galveston Bay. Impervious surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, and streets prevent storm water runoff from naturally soaking into the ground. Dumping materials into storm drains has chemicals, dirt, and other pollutants. It is never treated, so everything storm water collects as it travels through storm drains end up in local waterways.

What is the difference between a storm water drainage system and a sewer system?
The sanitary sewer system collects household wastewater from toilets, showers, and sinks. The wastewater is sent to a facility where it is first treated before being released back into the environment. Storm water is not treated since it is intended for rain runoff only and flows directly to waterways.

What is the purpose of a storm drain system?
A storm drain system’s purpose is to prevent flooding of streets and highways by quickly and efficiently transferring rainwater into our bayous, creeks, rivers, and Galveston Bay. After the water has filled up waterways, then the streets are designed to handle the overflow, to try and prevent flood damage to property.

How serious is the problem of storm water quality?
Very serious. The contaminated storm water can affect vegetation, wildlife, aquatic life, and restrict swimming areas. For example,
      Health: Storm water pollution poses a serious health risk to people swimming or fishing in our local bayous, lakes, etc.
      Environment: Countless marine plants and animals living in our local waterways may become sick or die from contact with storm water pollution.
      Neighborhoods: Clogged storm drains significantly decrease the quality of life in many neighborhoods throughout the city and county. These “nests” of trash and debris can attract rats and cockroaches and create foul odors affecting neighborhood aesthetics and property values. It also creates the potential for local flooding during heavy rain events.

What can you put down the storm drains?
Local ordinances and regulations prohibit anything other than uncontaminated rainwater from entering the storm drain system. Under Chapter 47-741(a) of the City of Houston Code of Ordinances, "A person commits an offense if the person threatens to introduce, introduces or causes to be introduced into the MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) any discharge that is not composed entirely of storm water."

How should I properly dispose of oil, tires, and batteries?
Oil can be taken to our oil recycling drop-off point located at 17507 El Camino Real. From El Camino Real, turn onto Beacon Road and drive towards the water storage tank. Please leave the used oil in a sealed container (to prevent spills) and outside the gate in the visibly marked concrete box. Please do not drop off any other chemicals, liquids, or other items that need disposal. CLCWA is only able to recycle oil at this time.

Check with your local hardware stores about recycling batteries. Businesses where you buy car batteries or tires usually recycle or properly dispose of these items.

How does pet waste left on the grass affect storm water?
Pet waste can be picked up by rain as it travels down the storm drain, carrying with it bacteria and other harmful materials into waterways. When walking your pet, remember to pick up the waste and dispose of it properly. Flushing pet waste is the best disposal method.

Why are grass clippings harmful to storm water?
Yard waste contributes nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorous, which cause unwanted and uncontrolled growth of algae and aquatic weeds. Grass clippings also clog storm sewer drains, contributing to flooding.

What lawn care precautions can I take?
Who do I call if I see someone dumping oil or other hazardous materials down a storm drain?
You can call the Clear Lake City Water Authority (CLCWA) at 281-488-1164. CLCWA overlaps into 5 other cities including Taylor Lake Village, Webster, Pasadena, Webster, and Houston.

City of Houston: 3-1-1, the Anonymous City of Houston Neighborhood Protection Complaint line
City of Houston Environmental Health Information and Industrial Discharge line at 713-640-4399
Harris County Public Health and Environmental Services can also be contacted at 713-920-2831

Is it okay to sweep or water down dirt, grass, and/or other natural elements down the storm drain?
Actually dirt can clog spawning areas for fish and cover the water channel floor resulting in fish food being covered and the fish unable to sustain life.

Is it okay to wash my paintbrushes out in the gutter?
No. Paint can be toxic to aquatic life by interfering with breathing, plant growth, and reproduction. Rinse paintbrushes out in the sink

What about car washing?
Use a commercial car wash that treats or recycles its wastewater, or wash your car on your yard so the water infiltrates into the ground. Use a biodegradeable soap sparingly.

What can I do to make a difference at home?
You can make a difference in storm water quality by simply changing a few practices at home.

Here are some easy steps:





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Last Update: 5/1/2010