Stormwater

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Stormwater is rainwater that flows over streets, rooftops, and other surfaces, carrying pollutants into creeks, ponds, and the Trinity River. The City of Carrollton manages stormwater to protect local waterways and safeguard drinking water sources.

Community Service Projects
Volunteer opportunities that support clean waterways and environmental care.

Storm Drain Art Contest
(Concurso de Arte de Desagües Pluviales)
A community art program that promotes stormwater awareness.

Education & Resources
Videos, tools, and information about stormwater and water quality.

Stormwater Requirements for Construction Sites
Permit requirements and guidance to prevent stormwater pollution at construction sites.

What is Stormwater?

When rain falls in Carrollton, much of it flows over hard surfaces like roads, parking lots, rooftops, and sidewalks. Because these surfaces do not absorb water, the runoff moves quickly into storm drains, roadside ditches, and nearby creeks.

Unlike wastewater from sinks and toilets, stormwater does not go to a treatment plant. Anything that enters a storm drain flows directly into local waterways and eventually into the Trinity River, which is part of the region’s drinking water supply.

This makes stormwater management an important part of protecting water quality, wildlife habitats, and the overall health of the community.

Everyday Activities That Affect Stormwater

Many common daily activities can affect stormwater, often without people realizing it. Because these activities happen across the entire community, their impact adds up over time.

Examples include driving and parking vehicles, washing cars, applying lawn treatments, leaving pet waste on the ground, and outdoor cleaning. Construction activity can also contribute when soil and debris are left exposed.

Since stormwater flows over these areas, anything left behind on streets, driveways, lawns, or work sites can be picked up by rain and carried into the stormwater system.

What Gets Washed Into Storm Drains

As stormwater flows across the ground, it can collect and carry a wide range of pollutants.

Common materials that enter storm drains include dirt and sediment, oil and fluids from vehicles, fertilizers and pesticides from lawns, bacteria from pet waste, and trash or debris from construction sites. Detergents and cleaning products used outdoors can also be washed into the system.

Because storm drains lead directly to creeks and rivers, these pollutants can harm water quality, aquatic life, and the natural environment.

Rules That Protect Our Water

To help reduce stormwater pollution, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has established regulations for cities like Carrollton. These rules require communities to take steps to limit the amount of pollutants entering stormwater systems.

Carrollton operates under a stormwater permit that guides how the City prevents pollution, educates the public, and monitors water quality. These requirements focus on reducing pollution at its source rather than treating it after it reaches waterways.

Following these rules helps protect local water resources and supports long-term environmental health.

What the City Is Doing

The City of Carrollton manages stormwater through a combination of public education, inspections, maintenance, and community involvement. These efforts are designed to prevent pollution before it enters the stormwater system.

City programs focus on educating residents, businesses, and construction operators about best practices, as well as responding to reported concerns and maintaining stormwater infrastructure.

Protecting water quality is a shared responsibility, and small changes in everyday actions can make a meaningful difference in keeping Carrollton’s waterways clean for future generations.

Annual Reports

Each year, the City of Carrollton submits an annual report to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality as part of its permit requirements. These reports document compliance with the City’s Stormwater Management Program and confirm that required measures have been completed.

City of Carrollton Stormwater Management Program 2024 - 2029

Archive: Annual Reports 2013-2024

City of Carrollton Stormwater Management Program Annual Reports - 2019 - 2024

City of Carrollton Stormwater Management Program Annual Reports - 2013 - 2018

See Something That Could Harm Our Water? Report it.

Look for signs such as illegal dumping, oily or discolored water, strong chemical odors, or debris blocking storm drains, creeks, or ponds. Reporting these issues helps prevent pollution from spreading and protects local waterways.

City of Carrollton
Environmental Services
1945 E. Jackson Rd.
Carrollton, TX 75006
972-466-3060
Email Environmental Services

Hours of Operation

Monday-Thursday: 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Friday: 7:30-11:30 a.m.

After Hours: See a potential environmental issue after regular business hours? Call dispatch non-emergency at 972-466-3333 for immediate assistance.

City of Carrollton, TX

Learn more about doing business in the City of Carrollton.

Stormwater

See Something That Could Harm Our Water? Report it.