Storm Water Training

About Storm Water Run-Off

Storm water run-off occurs when precipitation flows over the ground. Impervious surfaces, such as driveways, sidewalks and streets, prevent storm water from naturally soaking into the ground.

Why Storm Water Run-Off is a Problem

Storm water run-off can pick up trash, decaying matter, chemicals, soil and other pollutants before it flows into a storm sewer system or directly into a stream or lake. Any pollutant that enters a storm sewer system, such as a pipe or a curb inlet, is discharged untreated into the water bodies we use for swimming, fishing and drinking water.

How Residents Can Help

There are simple steps Killeen residents can take to help control storm water pollution. Keeping pollutants out of storm water run-off is less expensive than installing storm water treatment facilities. There are several ways you can prevent pollution from entering storm water:

  • Leave grass clippings on your lawn
  • Sweep driveways, sidewalks and gutters to keep debris out of storm sewers
  • Use fertilizers and pesticides in recommended amounts; consider organic alternatives
  • Direct downspouts to lawns or gardens; don’t over water your lawn
  • Wash vehicles on your lawn or at a car wash
  • Clean up pet waste
  • Dispose of hazardous materials properly; clean up spills immediately-prevent contact with storm water
  • Recycle used oil

Additional Information for Citizens

An electronic version of EPA’s After the Storm: A Citizen’s Guide to Understanding Storm Water brochure (PDF) is available.

Additional Information for Contractors

The integrated Storm Water Management (iSWM) Design Manual for Construction, which has been prepared by the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG), is available for reference. The new iSWM Design Manual for Construction contains a stepwise methodology for creating an effective storm water pollution prevention plan for construction sites and detailed information for the design, installation and maintenance of practices to reduce the release of sediment and other pollutants resulting from construction activities. The Design Manual for construction is also intended to assist public and private entities in compliance with the Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES) General Permitfor Construction Storm Water Runoff, TXR 150000, issued by the Texas Council on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).