Many of our daily activities can cause pollutants to enter our local waterways through rain water which runs off impervious surfaces like roofs, sidewalks and driveways. This stormwater runoff picks up pollutants like pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, vehicle fluids, pool chemicals, sediments, yard waste and pet waste from our residential areas and carries it to the nearest storm drain which flows to our creeks, streams and lakes. These waterways are vital resources for our community. They provide drinking water, flood risk reduction and recreational opportunities. Stormwater pollutants in our local waterways can increase the cost of water treatment, increase flood risk, prevent enjoyment of our recreational areas and harm the local wildlife.

Residents should remember, purposely discharging any pollutant into the storm drainage system or waterway is a violation of the Stormwater Pollution Control Ordinance. The purpose of the ordinance is to maintain and improve local surface water quality by preventing the discharge of contaminated stormwater runoff, promoting awareness of the hazards involved in the improper discharge of hazardous substances, encouraging residents about recycling of used motor oil and other consumer products, and facilitating compliance with all federal and state laws and regulations concerning stormwater discharges within the City.

Stormwater Pollution Control Ordinance Definitions