Stormwater Management

Our objective

To educate and improve how citizens and businesses plan for storm water management by reducing storm water pollution, protecting the natural environment, and monitoring violations in pour community.

We're part of the RGV Task Force.

Freddy the Fish Teaches About Stormwater

 

Storm Water FAQs

nodumpingchemicalsThis type of activity is illegal and will be handled through ticketing, fines, and in some cases jail time. If possible, call your local storm water hotline at (956)432-0300

sewer vs stormwaterStorm water is generally rain that runs off surfaces that cannot absorb water. These surfaces include rooftops, pavements, and compacted gravel lots. as water flows on these surfaces towards the storm drains, it picks up pollutants such as sediment, pet waste, oil, grease, fertilizers, chemicals and whatever else is on the ground and makes its wat untreated to local ditches and canals, eventually reaching the Laguna Madre.

Our storm drain system, unlike the sanitary sewer system that comes from your house receives no treatment before it eventually reaches the Laguna Madre. The pollutants it picks up on its way there has potential of harming fish and other wildlife and polluting large areas of water.

The excess runoff caused by the decrease in absorption can cause flooding, in addition, garbage picked up by these waters can also clog the drainage system, causing a slowdown in the drainage ability of the City’s system. A combination of these two events has the potential to cause flooding within the city. What could be done to help alleviate these issues is clean all leaves, grass clippings, and trash from drainage areas, manholes, and inlets to avoid future flooding.

How you can help?

 

  1. Turn off your sprinkler when it rains to avoid water runoff.
  2. Bag up your pet's waste.
  3. Do not apply fertilizers and pesticides before it rains.
  4. Select native or adapted plants & grasses that are drought tolerant and pest resistant.
  5. Reduce the amount of paved area and increase the amount of vegetated area in your yard.
  6. Do not dump your cars oil on the ground or storm drain.
  7. Check your car, boat, or motorcycle for any leaks.
  8. Compost or mulch your yard waste rather than bagging it, which fills the landfill. Do not sweep debris into the street to get carried in runoff to the storm drain.
  9. wash your car with water only or use biodegradable soap to avoid runoff of harmful chemicals and try to wash your car on the lawn or other unpaved surfaces.
  10. Dispose of your paint and other household wastes at a recycling facility or hazardous material event; do not throw excess household chemicals and waste on the street or storm drain.
  11. Do not pump your pool water into the street or drain; pool chemicals can be hazardous to aquatic habitats.
  12. Don't mess with Texas! Throw your litter in the garbage can & recycle what and when you can.
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