Stormwater is water from rain or melting snow that does not soak into the ground. Instead, it flows over land or impervious surfaces, such as streets, parking lots, and rooftops, and becomes what is known as stormwater runoff. As it moves across these surfaces, stormwater runoff can pick up and carry pollutants such as oil, chemicals, sediment, trash, and other debris. This runoff often flows into storm drains and directly into local creeks, rivers, lakes, and other water bodies… without any treatment!
Managing stormwater runoff is essential to protecting water quality, aquatic ecosystems, and public health. Uncontrolled stormwater pollution can negatively impact drinking water sources, wildlife habitats, and recreational areas.
For additional information on urbanization and stormwater runoff, please visit this link:
EPA Source Water Protection – Urbanization and Stormwater Runoff
Travis County Water Control and Improvement District No. 17 (WCID No. 17) operates a regulated Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4), governed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). TCEQ administers the Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES) Small MS4 General Permit (TXR040000), under which WCID No. 17 developed its own Stormwater Management Program (SWMP). This program allowed WCID No. 17 to obtain its individual permit (TXR040470), authorizing the District to discharge stormwater from its MS4 in compliance with state and federal regulations.
The SWMP describes specific strategies and actions that WCID No. 17 will undertake over a five-year period to minimize stormwater pollution and safeguard the area’s water resources. This comprehensive plan includes public education initiatives, pollution prevention efforts, and municipal best management practices (BMPs). Through these initiatives, WCID No. 17 demonstrates its commitment to responsible stormwater management and to maintaining the quality of life for the community it serves.
In adherence to the TPDES General Permit requirements, WCID No. 17’s current Stormwater Management Program (SWMP) and Annual Reports for this permit term are available below for public review. The Annual Reports are updated each year to reflect new requirements and document progress toward the program’s goals. WCID No. 17 encourages residents to stay informed and get involved in local stormwater initiatives:
The focus of WCID No. 17’s Stormwater Management Program (SWMP) is to protect local water quality and aquatic ecosystems by reducing pollutants in stormwater runoff and ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations. Specifically, WCID No. 17 is committed to:
Reducing the discharge of pollutants in stormwater runoff to the Maximum Extent Practicable (MEP)
Through the implementation of municipal best management practices (BMPs), WCID No. 17 works to minimize the pollutants transported by stormwater runoff from urbanized areas.
Protecting water quality and local aquatic ecosystems
By managing stormwater effectively, WCID No. 17 aims to safeguard the health of local creeks, lakes, and waterways, preserving these vital resources for the community and surrounding environment.
Meeting the water quality requirements of the Clean Water Act and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)
WCID No. 17’s SWMP is designed to comply with the requirements of the federal Clean Water Act and the TPDES Small MS4 General Permit (TXR040000), as administered by TCEQ.
