This is a program that requires counties and cities in Texas, as well as the rest of the nation, to take steps that maintain or improve water quality in local bodies of water that receive storm water runoff. This is accomplished by implementing pollution control programs, which are required in a permit issued by the state or federal government. The state permit is called the Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES) and the federal permit is the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). This section provides general and technical information (including website links) about programs that address the quality of urban storm water runoff.

The permit is required because storm water runoff picks up pollutants as it flows over land and other surfaces in an urban area. A few of these pollutants include pesticides, detergents, oil, fertilizers, metals and sediments. This mixture of storm water and pollutants then flows to the nearest body of water. This storm water mixture does not receive any treatment before it is released. Whatever is in the mixture ends up in the nearest creek, pond, lake or river. That’s why the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) are requiring local governments to obtain Storm Water Permits.

Please visit the Tarrant County Transportation Department's Storm Water Construction Permits web page if you have any questions regarding the rules and regulations, as they pertain to unincorporated Tarrant County areas, or contact Robert Berndt, REM, at 817-884-2634.

Where does Storm Water Pollution come from?

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates about 40% of the nation’s waterways are considered unsuitable for swimming and fishing.  Some of those waterways are located here in North Central Texas.  Stringent controls and advances in technology have significantly reduced pollution from commercial and industrial sources.  So most of today’s urban water quality problems are collectively caused by all of us!

More than half of the nation’s water pollution comes from storm water runoff.  This is the water that flows over our streets, lawns and parking lots during a rain.  The runoff picks up harmful substances like oil, detergents, paint, pesticides, bacteria, sediment and trash and wastes them into storm drains in our neighborhoods.  Unlike sanitary sewers, storm drains empty into the nearest creek, river or lake without treatment to remove contaminants.

To make matters worse, some of us illegally dump hazardous materials, trash, and yard waste directly into curb inlets.  Even “biodegradable” and “non-toxic” products are not safe to dispose of in the street or storm rains.  Despite environmentally friendly labels, many of these chemicals will harm aquatic wildlife and habitat, and poison our drinking water supplies.

Community Involvement

For more information on ways that you can help your community by taking simple storm water pollution prevention steps, click on any of the following links:

• Disposal of Household Chemicals 
• Lawns & Landscaping  
• Car Care