Stormwater

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Storm Drain Art Contest

Learn more about our Storm Drain Art Contest (Concurso De Arte De Desagües Pluviales)!

Review the City's stormwater program from 2019-2024

Carrollton's Stormwater Management Program (PDF PowerPoint Presentation)

Stormwater in Carrollton

The Carrollton Stormwater Management Program protects the quality of our surface waters - ponds, creeks and the Trinity River. Clean water is a life-giving natural resource and the centerpiece of any healthy environment. Our waterways support a wealth of wildlife and aquatic habitat, and provide us with a glimpse of nature in an urban setting.

Stormwater pollution is one of the biggest threats to the health of our surface waters. The problem is magnified by widespread development, which puts stress on the environment. By converting land from an undisturbed condition to a developed state we've covered the landscape with impervious surfaces - buildings, roads, rooftops and parking lots. Rainwater that used to soak into the ground now becomes urban runoff. As it flows over the land, the runoff collects pollutants on its way to the nearest storm drain or creek. Unlike sewage, which is collected and treated, anything that flows into the storm sewer system empties directly into waterways without any treatment. In Carrollton, the polluted stormwater runoff eventually flows into the Trinity River, impacting the source of our drinking water.

Because the sources of contaminants are so widespread - cars, streets, parking lots, lawns, golf courses, construction sites, etc. - the runoff is referred to as "nonpoint source pollution." Many daily activities contribute to NPS pollution and can take their toll on water quality.

Common pollutants include sediment, oil and grease, detergents, fertilizers, pesticides, toxic metals, and harmful bacteria. Oil and grease and detergents are washed off of roads and parking lots. Fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides are released from lawns and landscaped areas. Sediment and debris are carried off of construction sites. Pet wastes and sanitary sewer overflows are the main source of harmful bacteria or pathogens.

To reduce the impacts of stormwater pollution on surface waters, The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued regulations for urban areas, such as Carrollton. The Storm water regulations are designed to guide our efforts to reduce water pollution. Under the rules, the city has a permit and is required to develop a program to reduce the amount of contaminants discharged into storm sewer system.

As a Phase II Level 4 city under the current permit, Carrollton must implement six minimum measures to improve storm water quality. The creation of a stormwater management program for the City of Carrollton is a huge task and civic participation and support are necessary in order to adequately protect our water resources and the environment. It's important to realize that we, the citizens - not industry - are responsible for most of today's water quality impacts. As stewards of this indispensable resource, we must make changes in our daily activities to preserve the ecological integrity of our waterways for generations to come. Remember, it's our water so let's "Take it personally!"

If you want to read The City of Carrollton's Stormwater Management Program, it can be found here City of Carrollton Stormwater Management Plan 2024-2029

Annual Reports

As part of our permit requirements, each year we submit an annual report to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. The annual report covers each minimum control measure in the Stormwater Management Program. The annual report is a way to measure that we completed all the requirements set by the Stormwater Management Program.

Report Polluters

To report an incident that negatively impacts our water, please contact us. Have you ever wondered what is a stormwater violation? Our Stormwater Pollution Prevention Ordinance lays out all violations pertaining to stormwater! You can find the full City of Carrollton Ordinance, including the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Ordinance, here: City of Carrollton Code of Ordinances. By reporting polluters you help us detect illicit discharges before they get a chance to negatively impact our waterways.

Stormwater Education

A large part of the Stormwater Management Program is educating citizens, industries, businesses, and city employees on the DOs and DONTs of stormwater! In order to minimize stormwater pollution everyone must first understand what stormwater pollution is and how you can minimize it. Do you want to test your knowledge? Take our Stormwater Quiz and find out how much you know!

Presentations

If you would like for the City of Carrollton to come and give a presentation to your school, homeowner's association, or organization please give us a call at 972-466-3035. The City of Carrollton has many environmental education programs including custom presentations!

Want to request a presentation? Fill out this interest form.

Educational Information

Check out some of our other pages to learn more about stormwater in Carrollton!

Carrollton Car Wash Fundraisers
- Learn more about having Car Wash Fundraisers in Carrollton.
Construction Site Operators Information
- Access information about stormwater regulations related to construction activity in our city.
Environmental E-Links
- For more information on environmental regulations visit this page.
Pet Waste Information
- Have you ever wondered the impacts of pet waste on our waterways? You can find out by visiting The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) website.
Pet Waste Ordinance
- Check out the Animal Services page to learn more about the pet waste ordinance in Carrollton.
Stormwater Reader
- Enjoy our employee Stormwater Reader, see what our employees are learning about stormwater and what you can learn as well!
Stormwater Videos
- Browse through our stormwater videos and see what you can learn!
Texas Smartscape
- Have you heard of Texas Smartscape? Visit the Texas Smartscape website to learn how to transform your garden into a native and adaptive plant sanctuary.
Community Service Projects
- Community Service Projects are hands-on opportunities for individuals and groups to give back through environmental cleanups, habitat restoration, and sustainability-focused activities. These projects are open to the public and designed to be inclusive, impactful, and eligible for verified community service hours. Whether you're looking to make a difference, fulfill a school or court requirement, or simply spend time outdoors, our Community Service Projects offer a meaningful way to contribute. We offer three great programs: Adopt-A-Spot, Waterway Cleanup, and Storm Drain Marking.
Yard Waste and Stormwater
- Learn how yard waste can impact our stormwater system and what you can do to prevent it.