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1. What is stormwater?

The term stormwater is used to describe any water that originates during precipitation events and flows across the land into storm drains and waterways. In the City of Kennedale, all of our stormwater will eventually enter into water supplies for other cities, which provide drinking water to approximately 5.3 million people.

2. Why is stormwater runoff a problem?

Stormwater flows over rooftops, streets, driveways, and yards picking up pollutants along the way and depositing them into our storm drains. Contrary to what many people may think, storm drains do not lead to wastewater treatment plants. That means that any pollutant in stormwater runoff gets carried directly into our creeks, rivers, and lakes without treatment. In addition to causing water pollution, pollutants in stormwater can clog culverts and further lead to flooding.

3. What is a stormwater management program?

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) have developed regulations pursuant to the Clean Water Act. In 1972, the EPA enacted the Clean Water Act to restore all waters of the United States to their fishable and swimmable conditions.

In 1987, Congress broadened the Clean Water Act definition of "point source" to include industrial stormwater discharges and municipal separate storm sewer systems. Under these regulations, a stormwater pollution prevention plan must be developed to prevent or reduce pollutants in stormwater.

The goal of the city’s Stormwater Management Program (SWMP) is to protect our waterways by preventing stormwater pollution. The program incorporates a list of measures governed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), such as public involvement and participation, illicit discharge and detection and elimination, construction site runoff control, post-construction management in new developments, and pollution prevention and good-keeping. The creation and implementation of the SWMP requires an enormous commitment from the city, and community involvement is critical to its success.

The Stormwater Utility Fund provides the city with the tools necessary to meet the previously mentioned federal and state regulatory requirements.

4. What can you do to protect stormwater?

You should be aware of these common pollutants and how you can help:

• Fertilizer - Should be applied at appropriate rates and consider organic fertilizers
  
• Hazardous Household Chemicals - Dispose properly
  
• Herbicides and Pesticides - Use only when necessary and consider natural alternatives
  
• Pet Waste (remove in parks and pickup after pets regularly
  
• Pool / Spa Water - Allow water to de-chlorinate for three days before discharging
  
• Sediment - Vegetate or mulch bare soil and protect dirt piles from washing away
  
• Trash / Litter - Do not leave outside where it can be moved by wind or water
  
• Vehicle Fluids - Take precautions not to spill and dispose properly
  
• Yard Waste - Dispose of clippings appropriately and consider composting