STORMWATER AWARENESS
What Is Stormwater?
Water that flows overland when it rains and enters our storm drains and local waterways (streams, creeks, ponds and Joe Pool Lake) is considered storm water. Other types of water flows that enter the storm drain system, or flow overland and into our local waterways, also have the potential to impact the quality of our storm water. This includes excess irrigation water and spills, as well as many others.
The Stormwater Program for the City of Mansfield deals mostly with water quality issues related to urban runoff. However, some water quantity issues are handled as well.
What Happens To Stormwater?
Stormwater is NEVER treated. As water flows over land surfaces, it can pick up whatever is lying there: pesticides, fertilizers, debris, and exposed soils. That means these substances are moved directly into our storm drain system or local waterways causing many different problems.
The picture above shows one of the differences between sanitary and storm sewers. Sanitary sewers collect wastewater from houses and other buildings and structures to a wastewater treatment plant where the harmful substances are treated before the water is released into our local waterways. Storm sewers carry water from streets, parking lots, parks, lawns and other areas directly to local waterways. Any harmful substances picked up by the water along the way go directly into our local waterways. These systems are completely separate and serve different functions.
Water Pollution Solutions
This section contains links to information about everyday activities that can help residents and local business owners protect our local waterways from harmful substances.
Environmental Science
This section contains information on the science behind protecting our water resources. It provides information that is helpful in understanding how the water pollution solutions help protect our waterways from pollution.
Stormwater History
Stormwater regulations can trace their roots back to the late 1800's when the Rivers and Harbors Act was passed in 1899. Things have changed quite a bit since then. Today, the Clean Water Act helps to protect our Nation's waters by trying to prevent pollution from entering our water.
Mansfield's Stormwater Management Program
Mansfield's Stormwater Management Program is a collection of activities the City uses to maintain compliance with the stormwater permit from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Some activities are designed to include the public in the helping to clean up our waterways, as well as making residents and local businesses aware of activities that pose a risk to our water quality.
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