Storm Water Management Program

Storm Water CycleAbout Our Program

The City of Bellmead received its first Phase II Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit in 2007 from the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. We are nearing the end of our 3rd permit term under the Texas Pollution Discharge Elimination Systems.

What We Do

Our program oversees Bellmead's Stormwater Management Plan. Multiple departments within the City are instrumental in implementation this plan. The City maintains the storm drainage system, inspects industrial and construction sites, investigates suspicious discharges or illegal dumping, and participates in public education and outreach.

Stormwater & Where It Goes

Stormwater is runoff. When it rains, snows, sleets or hails, that precipitation comes into contact with many types of surfaces in the city: buildings, parking lots, streets, houses, yards, cars … and the list goes on! Ideally rain would be absorbed into the ground, however, in urbanized area like Bellmead there is a lot of impervious surface that prevents absorption. When the rain water can't be absorbed it becomes runoff. Without our storm drainage system that runoff would cause a lot of flooding.

Our MS4 is comprised of storm drains, ditches, lined and unlined channels, creeks and streams. Stormwater in the City of Bellmead drains into these conveyances and flows into the Brazos River.

Why It Matters

Rain washes over everything - including pollutants. Common stormwater pollutants include:

  • Motor oils and other automotive fluids
  • Soaps and detergents
  • Litter
  • Fertilizers, pesticides, and other yard chemicals
  • Pet waste
  • Soils and sediments
  • Yard debris (grass clippings, etc.)

Once these pollutants get into the drain system, they go straight to our local waterways without any treatment and can cause many negative impacts. Some of the harmful chemicals like motor oils, soaps, and pesticides are toxic not only to wildlife but also for our drinking water supply. Fertilizers can support harmful algae blooms. Decaying yard waste and pet waste can deplete the water of oxygen and kill fish. Pet waste also leads to increased bacterial contamination that can make water unsafe for swimming and other recreational activities.

How to Get Involved

Check with your local neighborhood to see when a neighborhood cleanup event will be held in your area. If they don't have one, think about starting one! Bellmead neighborhoods have access to one city sponsored annual cleanup up event normally scheduled in the late summer or early fall. Meanwhile, even something as simple as picking up loose trash on your street makes a big impact and is a great way to get involved with your neighborhood.

Stormwater Pollution Prevention

The City of Bellmead Public Works Department wants to inform the residents and businesses about storm water pollution.

Storm water ultimately ends up in our lakes and rivers. This water is converted to irrigation and drinking water in some areas and communities. By keeping pollution at a minimum, the water system is kept cleaner.

Here are some tips on how to help prevent storm water pollution:

  • Keep litter, pet wastes, leaves, and debris out of street gutters and storm drains. These outlets drain directly to the creek, lake or river.
  • Apply lawn and garden chemicals sparingly and according to directions.
  • Dispose of unused oil, antifreeze, paints, and other household chemicals properly, not in storm sewers or drains.
  • Clean up spilled brake fluid, oil, grease, and antifreeze. Do not hose them into the street where they can eventually reach the creek or river.
  • Control soil erosion on your property by planting ground cover and stabilizing erosion-prone areas.
  • Purchase household detergents and cleaners that are low in phosphorous to reduce the amount of nutrients discharged into surface waters.
  • Notify the City of Bellmead of any unauthorized discharges to the storm sewer system.

Remember, "Don't Feed The Drains!"