Water that flows overland when it rains and enters our storm drains and local waterways (streams, creeks, ponds and Joe Pool Lake) is considered stormwater. Other types of water flows that enter the storm drain system, or flow overland and into our local waterways, also have the potential to impact the quality of our stormwater. This includes excess irrigation water, spills and many others.
The Stormwater Program for the City of Mansfield deals mostly with water quality issues related to urban runoff. However some water quantity issues are handled as well.
Stormwater is never treated at a water treatment plant. As water flows over land surfaces, it can pick up whatever is lying there such as pesticides, fertilizers, debris and exposed soils. These substances may move directly into our storm drain system or local waterways causing many different problems.
Sanitary sewers collect wastewater from houses and other buildings and structures to a wastewater treatment plant where the harmful substances are treated before the water is released into our local waterways. Storm sewers carry water from streets, parking lots, parks and lawns and other areas directly to local waterways. Any harmful substances picked up by the water along the way go directly into our local waterways. These systems are completely separate and serve different functions.
Mansfield's Stormwater Management Program is a collection of activities the City uses to maintain compliance with the stormwater permit from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Some activities are designed to include the public in the helping to clean up our waterways, as well as making residents and local businesses aware of activities that pose a risk to our water quality. For more information please visit stormwater infrastructure in Engineering.