Stormwater

Take the Stormwater Survey

People fishing at a Park PondDefinition of Stormwater

Water that flows over land when it rains and enters our storm drains and local waterways (streams, creeks, ponds) is considered stormwater.

Stormwater Pollution

Stormwater pollution is one of the biggest threats to the health of our surface waters. As water flows over the land it comes in contact with common contaminants like:

  • Detergents
  • Fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides released from lawns and landscaped areas
  • Harmful bacteria from pet waste and sanitary sewer overflow
  •  Oil, grease and detergents washed off of roads and parking lots
  • Pesticides
  • Sediment and debris from construction sites
  • Toxic metals

Unlike sewage, which is collected and treated, anything that flows into the storm sewer system empties directly into waterways without treatment. In Farmers Branch, polluted stormwater runoff eventually flows into the Trinity River, impacting our drinking water source.

Stormwater & How It Impacts Water Quality

In urban and suburban areas, like Farmers Branch, much of the land surface is covered by buildings and pavement which do not allow rain to soak into the ground. Instead, this water, known as stormwater, runs off into the stormwater system. 

The stormwater system is a network of drains and pipes that ultimately end up in a waterway – be it a stream, creek, pond, lake or river. Farmers Branch has three creeks:

  • Cooks Creek
  • Farmers Branch Creek
  • Rawhide Creek

Each of these creeks receives stormwater from different parts of the city, as indicated on the Drainage Basin Map. The part of the city that is west of I-35E is part of the Valwood Improvement Authority and feeds into the Elm Fork of the Trinity River.

When stormwater runoff enters the storm drains, it carries with it pollutants it comes into contact with like oil, dirt, chemicals, and lawn fertilizers. These end up in streams where they seriously harm water quality.

Stormwater Hotline

Report stormwater quality or creek issues to 972-919-2613 during regular business hours or report a concern online.

PNG FileStormwater Pollution Prevention Plan Requirements

For all construction projects that will disturb more than one acre of land, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) requires operators to obtain TPDES General Permit coverage for the project. This requires the preparation of a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). The City of Farmers Branch requires the SWPPP to be submitted to the Public Works Department before construction begins.

Information from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality