Stormwater Pollution

Clean Water Starts With You

The City of Fort Worth monitors, inspects and issues permits for construction site operations, many industrial facilities and commercial cosmetic cleaners. Unfortunately, stormwater pollution isn’t a business-only problem. Residential households are responsible for a portion of the pollutants that end up being deposited by stormwater into the creeks, rivers and lakes of the city and surrounding region.

At Home

• Use natural cleaners instead of chemicals. Learn more about household chemicals at the EPA’s Design for the Environment website.
• Identify pests and research the best elimination options before using chemical pesticides. Often, using a professional is the safest option.
• Reduce, reuse and recycle whenever possible. Light bulbs and batteries should not be disposed of in the trash.
• Store paint and other chemicals in labeled containers with tight-fitting lids. Recycle your household hazardous waste at the Environmental Collection Center.
• Wash your car at the car wash where water is recycled and sent to the treatment facility. If you do wash at home, do it on the lawn and don’t use detergents.
• Keep your car properly maintained to prevent leaks. If you work on your car at home, clean up spills with a dry absorbent material and deposit it in the trash.

In the Yard

• Recycle yard waste by mulching or composting. Sweep lawn clipping back onto the lawn to recycle fertilizer and herbicide applications.
• Apply chemical according to instructions. Never apply just before rain. Investigate non-toxic alternatives.
• Use native or adaptive landscaping to reduce the need for chemicals and water. Explore Texas Smartscape and the Texas AgriLife Extension Service for ideas and advice.
• Create Rain Gardens to help slow stormwater runoff and prevent erosion.
• Collect runoff in Rain Barrels to use for watering needs.
• Let your roof water your yard - direct downspouts away from paved areas. Adjust sprinkler settings, use soaker hoses or set up a drip irrigation system to keep the water on the lawn.
• Pet waste is a source of excessive nutrients, bacteria and viruses in water. Pick up pet waste in your yard regularly and before rain events. 

Around Town

• Never dump anything into the storm drain. It’s illegal.
• A City of Fort Worth ordinance requires that residents pick up pet waste when walking dogs. Encourage homeowner or neighborhood associations to place waste disposal stations in common areas.
• Participate in cleanup programs sponsored by organizations or the city.
• Adopt a storm drain. Keep the storm drain on your street clear of litter and debris.
• Support environmental education and programs in your school, city or region. Educate your neighbors with what you learn.
• Good sources of information about protecting stormwater quality are the Environmental Protection Agency, Texas Commission on Environmental Equality and North Central Texas Council of Governments.
• Report Violators:
  • Report water pollution or illegal discharges into storm drains at 817-392-8700.
  • Report trash dumping at 817-392-1234.
  • Report street flooding due to blocked inlet drains at 817-392-1234.