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Stormwater Education
Stormwater is the nation’s #1 source of water pollution and is rapidly growing as a national environmental issue. It is important for all of us to take particular care in our daily activities to protect our waterways. Why? Clean Water = Healthy Life
What is Stormwater?
Stormwater is a big deal! As communities become increasingly developed with more roads, parking lots, retail, entertainment, cars and homes there is an increase in impervious (not allowing liquid to pass through) surfaces. More impervious surfaces directly impacts our water and how it moves above and below ground during storms. These impervious surfaces impact the quality of our stormwater and the conditions of our creeks and lakes.
Stormwater Basics
Common Pollutants
Motor oil, sediment, yard waste/leaves, biodegradable materials, and paint are common pollutants that should never be put down our storm drains. These materials travel directly into our creeks and lakes UNTREATED, polluting water and natural habitats.
We need your help to Save Our Waterways! Stormwater pollution cannot be ignored. It can be prevented with all of us working together. You can protect the water quality. Learn the stormwater basics and get involved. Our Water, Our Health, Our Responsibility.
Watershed
A watershed is simply an area of land that drains into a particular body of water. The rainwater that falls on the land flows downhill and slopes and drains into a creek or river. Many watersheds make up a much larger "river basin" or "Lake Basin". For example, most of Taylor County is located within the Cedar, Elm, Little Elm, Catclaw and Lytle Creek watershed which is part of the larger Brazos River Basin. You live in a watershed. The neighborhood you live in is part of a watershed. Every raindrop from a storm falls into our watershed. Where does the stormwater from your yard go? It flows to the nearest creek, lake, river or stream, and eventually to the ocean.
Join Your Neighbors – Take Action
The things you do every day have an impact on your water quality. Small changes to your routine protects the water quality for all of us. Here are some ways you can be a part of protecting water quality:
- Pick up after your dog – on-leash, off-leash and even in your yard. See Scoop It. Bag It. Trash It. for more.
- Properly maintain your septic system. See Septic Smart for more information.
- Secure trash cans and pet food to reduce food sources for stray animals and wild life such as raccoons.
- Properly apply fertilizer – only apply what your lawn really needs. See Lawn & Garden Tips for more information.
- Keep irrigation on the lawn and out of the gutter. See Lawn & Garden Tips for more information.
Report Pollution
Everyday products that we use in our homes and businesses are hazardous if they enter our creeks and lakes. Be aware of what those materials are, how to properly dispose of them and if you see a spill, report it!
Only Rain Down the Storm Drain
Whether you see a spill in your neighborhood or need to dispose of household hazardous waste, please take proper actions. Chemicals entering our water is a disaster.
What to watch for and report:
- Spills from traffic accidents
- Someone rinsing a paintbrush in the gutter
- Chemicals washing into a floor drain in a building connected to the storm drainage system.
- Landscaping materials in the right of way, sitting in the curb & gutter blocking water drainage.
- Waste water from mobile cleaning operations washing down the street to the drain
- Concrete wash out
Use the See Click Fix to report spills or illegal dumping or call the Stormwater Service Hotline 325-437-4937.
Know the Rules
Abilene’s storm drainage system is designed to convey rain water to our local creeks and lakes. Businesses and residents all need to be aware of what is allowed and not allowed into the storm drain system. City ordinances, state and federal regulations establish methods for controlling pollutants entering our storm drains.
The purpose behind the city ordinances are to:
- Control pollutants headed to the storm drainage system.
- Prohibit illegal connections and discharges into the storm drainage system.
- Establish legal authority to carry out inspections, surveillance, monitoring and enforcement procedures necessary to ensure compliance with ordinances.
- Promote public awareness of the hazards of dumping trash, yard waste, lawn chemicals, pet & human waste, grease, oil, cleaning chemicals, paint products, sediment and other pollutants into the storm drainage system.
General Prohibitions
- No person will discharge or cause to be discharged into the storm drainage system or waterways any materials other than stormwater.
- The construction, use, maintenance, or continued existence of illicit connections to the storm drainage system is prohibited.
- It is illegal to cause materials to be deposited in such a manner or location as to cause a discharge into storm drains, gutters or waterways of the State of Texas. Materials that are no longer contained in a pipe, tank or other container is considered a threat to our water system unless they are actively being cleaned up.
- No person shall with malicious intent destroy or interfere with structural controls in place to protect water quality.
For more specifics about these requirements take a look at the, Stormwater Prohibitions Ordinance or contact a Stormwater official.
Get Involved
Here in Abilene, we take great pride in keeping our city parks, creeks, lakes, streets and neighborhoods clean. Do your part in keeping our precious water clean. The City of Abilene partners with the local non-profit, Keep Abilene Beautiful is hosting area-wide clean up events for neighborhoods, schools, and at our local parks and lakes. Groups can adopt a street or creek to clean. We are always working to plan new and exciting ways for you to be involved in watershed protection. Get in touch with Keep Abilene Beautiful or visit their website to find out about upcoming events and get involved with making Abilene the best place to live, work, play and visit.
- Residents
- Business
- Teachers
- Construction
- Property Management
- Municipal Operations
- Stormwater Resources & Information
- Adopt-A-Spot
- Contact Us
FOR RESIDENTS
Stormwater pollution starts at home? It can be the smallest thing like not picking up after your dog, applying too much fertilizer to your lawn. It happens when you wash your car and the soap and dirty water flows into the street and down into the storm drain. Help keep our creeks and lakes clean.
What Can We All Do?
Scoop It. Bag It. Trash It.
Lawn & Garden Tips
At-Home Car Maintenance
Only Rain Down the Drain!
Household Hazardous Waste
Get Involved
Here in Abilene, we take great pride in keeping our city parks, creeks, lakes, streets and neighborhoods clean. Do your part in keeping our precious water clean. The City of Abilene partners with the local non-profit, Keep Abilene Beautiful is hosting area-wide clean up events for neighborhoods, schools, and at our local parks and lakes. Groups can adopt a street or creek to clean. We are always working to plan new and exciting ways for you to be involved in watershed protection. Get in touch with Keep Abilene Beautiful or visit their website to find out about upcoming events and get involved with making Abilene the best place to live, work, play and visit.
Citizens of Abilene can also take advantage of the Citizen Recycling Center, Brush Center and Environmental Recycling Center to dispose of bulky items, recycle household hazardous materials and drop off large limbs, branches, and leaves. Every little bit helps. Keeping those items out of the landfill and out of our waterways is the best way to reuse and recycle items that would normally be considered pollutants if left in the roadway, illegally dumped in our parks and lakes. All of us can do our part.
FOR BUSINESSES
Specific businesses can have a direct impact on our creeks and lakes. They can negatively impact stormwater by improper day-to-day activities, such as:
- Cleaning of equipment or buildings
- Spills
- Materials handling
- Cooling and refrigeration equipment maintenance
- Landscaping and grounds maintenance
- Dumpster and loading dock areas
- Parking lots
- Illegal connections to storm drainage systems
Our staff are here to help educate you about the rules and regulations surrounding your business and water quality issues. Need help preparing for an inspection or training new employees? We can help get you off on the right foot and provide the education and support you need to have a positive impact on our stormwater system. If you have questions or concerns about your facility’s inspection, contact our compliance and inspector professionals.
Autoparts Stores/DIY Mechanics
Clean up your work area…
When cleaning up your work area after vehicle repair NEVER hose down automotive fluid spills. To absorb spills on concrete surfaces, sprinkle saw dust, kitty litter, or cornmeal. Allow it to sit for several hours, and then sweep it into a bag and place it in the trash.
Air Conditioning Services
NEVER attempt to change refrigerant or repair air conditioning units because of potential CFC leaks. Air conditioning repairs must be done by an EPA-certified air conditioning technician.
Car Washes
Washing your car in a driveway or street means the dirty water flows untreated into the nearest storm drain and to the nearest creek and lake. This used water contains residue from gasoline, rust, motor oil, exhaust fumes (caked on your tail pipe). The soap you use may also contain phosphates, which can cause algae blooms in waterways.
Carpet Cleaning
Carpet Cleaners have been identified as having the potential to negatively impact water quality due to the illegal practice of discharging wastewater into a storm drain. When disposing of carpet cleaning wastewater it must drain to a sanitary sewer system to be treated otherwise the harmful chemicals and toxins will flow directly into our creeks and lakes killing wildlife and polluting the water.
Gas Stations
Stormwater runoff that picks up gasoline can contain harmful chemicals including the known human carcinogen benzene. That stormwater can then infiltrate adjacent soil or flow into local waterbodies through our drainage system. Heavy metals and toxic chemicals bioaccumulate in fish we catch and eat from our lakes, causing harm to human health over time. Oil and grease also decreases habitat availability to aquatic organisms and clog the gills of fish.
Homeowners Association
How a homeowner’s association maintains your property actually has a large impact on the water and natural habitats of our creeks and lakes. Facilities are required by law to prevent pollutants from entering the storm drainage system. Click on the Property Manager’s Resources page for more information.
Hood Cleaners
Mobile cleaners perform restaurant cleaning typically at night when the restaurant is closed. The cleaners have been known to move the equipment to the exterior of the restaurant for cleaning without proper water quality protection practices. This practice is illegal and the waste water must drain to an inside sanitary sewer drain. [link to Hood Cleaner Resource Sheet]
Landscapers
Landscape maintenance service providers perform many activities that have the potential to negatively impact water quality – including fertilizer and pesticide application, irrigation system installation and maintenance, mowing, and material staging. [insert Fact Sheet]
Mobile Cleaners & Pressure Washers
Common sources of pollutants from mobile cleaning businesses include: soap, oil, grease, paint and dirt. Exterior cleaning benefits water quality when done with water quality in mind. [insert Fact Sheet]
Outdoor Special Events
Water flows through storm drains directly to creeks without being treated. At an event, stormwater can pick up pollutants, such as oil, trash, and food left behind by vendors and guests. As an event coordinator, your organization is responsible for stormwater violations. Check out this resource sheet for some guidelines that help to prevent stormwater pollution.
Property Managers
Property Managers Resource Sheet
Rental Stores
The use of some rental equipment can create liquid wastes if not cleaned up properly. Allowing wastes to flow into a ditch, gutter, or storm drain can pollute our creeks and lakes.
Restaurants
Common sources of pollutants from restaurants include:
- Litter and liquids from dumpster areas
- Grease from spills or leaks from outdoor grease bins
- Mop water being poured outside Wash water that is not collected from outdoor washing. [insert Restaurant brochure]
Small Construction Projects
Spills and sediment from work sites can flow into storm drains and pollute local creeks and lakes. Pollutants leaving worksites are prohibited by law. The following resource page illustrates best management practices (BMPs) that can be used at construction projects to protect storm drains and prevent pollutions.
Vehicle Service Facilities
Common sources of pollutants from vehicle repair businesses include:
- Vehicle fluid leaks
- Outdoor washing
- Outdoor storage [insert Repair Resources Sheet]
FOR TEACHERS
Help Us Keep It Clean!
Bring water to life today with a fun and fascinating FREE classroom program. To sign up contact Katherine Beeman at 325-734-3301 or katherine.beeman@abilenetx.gov
Keep Our Water Clean 
GRADES K-7 | 45-60 minutes
Gather around an interactive model to discover the journey rain takes in and around your home, school or neighborhood. Students discover how people impact waterways in Abilene and what that means for our environment. They observe how water pollution occurs, identify typical city and rural contaminants and understand their part in preventing stormwater pollution.
*Availability is limited and is on a first come first serve basis.
- Educational Programs
- Lesson Plans
- Activities
- Water Festival (possible option for public service departments)
- Resources
**Abilene ISD has two of these interactive ecoscape models for teachers to utilize on their own. Please contact your Science Curriculum Director at AISD Administration Offices to reserve. Feel free to utilize the EcoScape lesson plan below in preparing for your own "Keep Our Water Clean" lesson.
EnviroScape Water Pollution Lesson Plan
Take a look at these additional earth science, social studies and geography lesson and activity resources for the classroom:
- Project WET: Water Education Today
- US EPA WaterSense Kids
- Keeping All of Our Waterways Clean
- How’s My Waterway
- US Geological Society: Water Science School
- Water Education: Lesson Plans for Texas Educators
- Keep Texas Wild: Water Education Activities and Lesson Plans
- Take Care of Texas: Water, Waste and Recycling Lesson Plans
FOR CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
The construction industry has some of the highest levels of responsibility regarding stormwater pollution prevention. By following guidelines established by the EPA and TCEQ, you can have a large impact on protecting the Abilene watershed.
How Construction impacts water quality
Polluted stormwater runoff from construction sites often flows to storm drainage systems and ultimately is discharged into local creeks and lakes. The runoff can contain:
- Sediment in quantities much higher than what is deposited naturally
- Nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorous that can cause significant water quality impairment.
- Solid and sanitary wastes, pesticides, oil and grease, concrete truck washout, construction chemicals, construction debris, metals and other by-products of construction processes.
Effective construction site pollution prevention can dramatically reduce pollution into Abilene waterways. There are rules established by the EPA and TCEQ which the construction industry is required to follow. The City of Abilene also has ordinances regarding construction/development sites. Visit the City of Abilene Construction Ordinances or the Construction Site Inspection Program page for rules, regulations and assistance.
- Informational Brochures and Helpful Checklists
- Links to specific City Of Abilene Construction Ordinance page
- Construction Site Inspections
- Hazardous Substances
- Erosion & Sediment Control
- City Of Abilene Planning & Development page
- City Of Abilene Building Inspection/Permits page
- City Of Abilene Traffic Services page
- City Of Abilene Street Services page
FOR COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
Whether you manage residential or commercial properties, you play a large role in keeping pollutants from your sites controlled. As a facility manager, property manager or homeowner’s association, how you maintain your property has a large impact on the water quality and habitats of our creeks and lakes. Stormwater runoff picks up pollutants as it flows over the ground or paved areas and carries these pollutants into the storm drainage system leading directly into our creeks untreated.
Common Sources of Pollutants from Facilities Include:
- Discharges from HVAC systems and fire suppression system testing
- Trash from overfilled dumpsters
- Pollutants draining from leaking dumpsters
- Not maintain stormwater treatment facilities (e.g. detention ponds)
- Spills or leaks from outdoor storage area
- Wash water that is not collected during outdoor washing
Facilities are required by law to prevent pollutants from entering the storm drainage system. Make sure your employees and companies you hire (e.g. hauler, landscaper, HVAC and pressure washers) know how to do the job right!
Clean Water Healthy Life Checklist for Managers
- Train employees, tenants, and contractors on proper cleaning and disposal methods
- Check outdoor areas daily – clean up any spills and trash immediately
- Check parking lot(s) and storm drainage system daily – clean up pollutants like leaks from vehicles and litter immediately
- Cover all recycling, storage and trash bins
- Dispose of all wastewater from cleaning in sanitary sewer
Resources for Property Managers
FOR MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS
Stormwater runoff from municipal operations can affect water quality. These activities range from the storage and handling of harmful chemicals to the maintenance of city properties, vehicles, roads, parks, and storm sewer systems.
Activities such as integrated pest management, water conservation, recycling, erosion control, proper storage of materials, repair of equipment, spill clean-up and education programs can prove to be very effective in addressing these pollutant sources.
Stormwater runoff for city operations
- Water quality and quantity are impacted by stormwater runoff from municipal facilities and activities such as routine maintenance of municipal buildings, grounds and vehicles; outdoor storage; materials handling, spills and leak; waste management; and application of pesticides and fertilizers. The Stormwater Services Division has supported City of Abilene employees in adopting best practices to reduce stormwater pollution and bring them into compliance with local, state and federal regulations.
How to Spot and Report Stormwater Pollution
Video
Clean Water, Healthy Life!
Check out these resources about stormwater protection! Stormwater is a big deal. Know the Clean Water Facts.
Abilene’s General Clean Stormwater Information
- Healthy Household Habits for Clean Water
- Bag It Don’t Blow It
- Storm Water Management Program
- Stormwater Pond Management
- Mobile Washing and Stormwater Runoff
- Fertilizers & Pesticides
- Charity Car Wash
- Antifreeze and Stormwater Management
- Spill Handling
- Swimming Pool & Spa Water Disposal
- Landscaping
- Hood Cleaning
- Carpet Cleaning
- Yard Maintenance
- Property Maintenance
- Scoop It. Bag It. Trash It.
- Restaurants
- Gas Station
- Automotive Repair Shops
Videos
Texas Stormwater Resources
- Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
- Texas Floodplain Management Association
- Texas Water Development Board
National Stormwater Resources
Adopt-A-Creek OR Adopt-A-Street
Are you interested in making Abilene clean and proud? Adopting a street or creek is a great way for groups, businesses or individuals to designate an area they pledge to keep clean. Your area can be a street, a creek, a neighborhood, a park, etc. The City of Abilene has partnered with the non-profit organization, Keep Abilene Beautiful, who operates and manages the local adopt-a-spot program.
Here Is How It Works
- Pick a public location close to your home, office, or meeting place, or ask Keep Abilene Beautiful (KAB) to help you pick a spot.
- A sign with your group name will be placed in your area.
- Designate a leader, someone who is responsible for announcing cleanup dates, organizing volunteers, and getting the Adopt-a-Spot supplies from KAB. Supplies include trash bags and Grab-Its!
- Get together to clean your area! You can remove litter and debris, plant trees and flowers, paint, etc.
Are You Interested?
Please visit Keep Abilene Beautiful to review the program requirements, application and agreement forms to be completed OR email Keep Abilene Beautiful with questions or concerns.
Contact Us
Srini Valavala Stormwater Services Administrator 555 Walnut Street, Suite 207 Abilene, TX 79604 (325) 676-6280 srini.valavala@abilenetx.gov |
Justin Sisco Stormwater Maintenance Supervisor 555 Walnut Street, Suite 207 Abilene, TX 79604 (325) 676-6048 justin.sisco@abilenetx.gov |
John Hardy Industrial Facility Inspector and Compliance Specialist 555 Walnut Street, Suite 207 Abilene, TX 79604 (325) 676-6314 john.hardy@abilenetx.gov |
Brandon Barr Construction Site Inspection and Compliance Specialist 555 Walnut Street, Suite 207 Abilene, TX 79604 (325) 676-6448 brandon.barr@abilenetx.gov |
Katherine Beeman Stormwater Public Education & Outreach Coordinator 555 Walnut Street, Suite 207 Abilene, TX 79604 (325) 734-3301 katherine.beeman@abilenetx.gov |
FOR BUSINESSES
Specific businesses can have a direct impact on our creeks and lakes. They can negatively impact stormwater by improper day-to-day activities, such as:
- Cleaning of equipment or buildings
- Spills
- Materials handling
- Cooling and refrigeration equipment maintenance
- Landscaping and grounds maintenance
- Dumpster and loading dock areas
- Parking lots
- Illegal connections to storm drainage systems
Our staff are here to help educate you about the rules and regulations surrounding your business and water quality issues. Need help preparing for an inspection or training new employees? We can help get you off on the right foot and provide the education and support you need to have a positive impact on our stormwater system. If you have questions or concerns about your facility’s inspection, contact our compliance and inspector professionals.
Autoparts Stores/DIY Mechanics
Clean up your work area…
When cleaning up your work area after vehicle repair NEVER hose down automotive fluid spills. To absorb spills on concrete surfaces, sprinkle saw dust, kitty litter, or cornmeal. Allow it to sit for several hours, and then sweep it into a bag and place it in the trash.
Air Conditioning Services
NEVER attempt to change refrigerant or repair air conditioning units because of potential CFC leaks. Air conditioning repairs must be done by an EPA-certified air conditioning technician.
Car Washes
Washing your car in a driveway or street means the dirty water flows untreated into the nearest storm drain and to the nearest creek and lake. This used water contains residue from gasoline, rust, motor oil, exhaust fumes (caked on your tail pipe). The soap you use may also contain phosphates, which can cause algae blooms in waterways.
Carpet Cleaning
Carpet Cleaners have been identified as having the potential to negatively impact water quality due to the illegal practice of discharging wastewater into a storm drain. When disposing of carpet cleaning wastewater it must drain to a sanitary sewer system to be treated otherwise the harmful chemicals and toxins will flow directly into our creeks and lakes killing wildlife and polluting the water.
Gas Stations
Stormwater runoff that picks up gasoline can contain harmful chemicals including the known human carcinogen benzene. That stormwater can then infiltrate adjacent soil or flow into local waterbodies through our drainage system. Heavy metals and toxic chemicals bioaccumulate in fish we catch and eat from our lakes, causing harm to human health over time. Oil and grease also decreases habitat availability to aquatic organisms and clog the gills of fish.
Homeowners Association
How a homeowner’s association maintains your property actually has a large impact on the water and natural habitats of our creeks and lakes. Facilities are required by law to prevent pollutants from entering the storm drainage system. Click on the Property Manager’s Resources page for more information.
Hood Cleaners
Mobile cleaners perform restaurant cleaning typically at night when the restaurant is closed. The cleaners have been known to move the equipment to the exterior of the restaurant for cleaning without proper water quality protection practices. This practice is illegal and the waste water must drain to an inside sanitary sewer drain. [link to Hood Cleaner Resource Sheet]
Landscapers
Landscape maintenance service providers perform many activities that have the potential to negatively impact water quality – including fertilizer and pesticide application, irrigation system installation and maintenance, mowing, and material staging. [insert Fact Sheet]
Mobile Cleaners & Pressure Washers
Common sources of pollutants from mobile cleaning businesses include: soap, oil, grease, paint and dirt. Exterior cleaning benefits water quality when done with water quality in mind. [insert Fact Sheet]
Outdoor Special Events
Water flows through storm drains directly to creeks without being treated. At an event, stormwater can pick up pollutants, such as oil, trash, and food left behind by vendors and guests. As an event coordinator, your organization is responsible for stormwater violations. Check out this resource sheet for some guidelines that help to prevent stormwater pollution.
Property Managers
Property Managers Resource Sheet
Rental Stores
The use of some rental equipment can create liquid wastes if not cleaned up properly. Allowing wastes to flow into a ditch, gutter, or storm drain can pollute our creeks and lakes.
Restaurants
Common sources of pollutants from restaurants include:
- Litter and liquids from dumpster areas
- Grease from spills or leaks from outdoor grease bins
- Mop water being poured outside Wash water that is not collected from outdoor washing. [insert Restaurant brochure]
Small Construction Projects
Spills and sediment from work sites can flow into storm drains and pollute local creeks and lakes. Pollutants leaving worksites are prohibited by law. The following resource page illustrates best management practices (BMPs) that can be used at construction projects to protect storm drains and prevent pollutions.
Vehicle Service Facilities
Common sources of pollutants from vehicle repair businesses include:
- Vehicle fluid leaks
- Outdoor washing
- Outdoor storage [insert Repair Resources Sheet]