Frequently Asked Questions

As stormwater runoff travels over driveways, lawns, and sidewalks, it picks up a wide variety of chemicals, waste, and trash that are not naturally found in waterways. Stormwater runoff enters the storm drain system through inlets and discharges untreated into creeks, streams, rivers, and lakes. Local concerns include Turtle Creek and the ponds in Williams Park, Curtis Park, and Caruth Park.

Some chemicals and other substances in stormwater can be toxic, even at small levels. They endanger plants and animals that depend on the water to survive. Other items containing no chemicals like leaves and grass clippings decompose in our waterways and cause the same problems for fish and aquatic life. Soil, sand, and minerals used in landscaping can also cloud waterways. Again, that inhibits underwater plant growth and depletes oxygen levels.

Stormwater pollution can be controlled if everyone plays a part in preventing these substances from entering the storm drain inlets in the streets where they live and work.

Residents can help prevent stormwater pollution by:

• Picking up after your pets
• Asking your landscaper to avoid blowing leaves and grass clippings onto sidewalks and streets
• Applying fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides when rain is not expected
• Picking up litter
• Disposing of hazardous chemicals properly and notifying University Park's Public Works Department of construction sites that aren't properly controlling stormwater runoff

Contractors can also help prevent stormwater pollution at job sites. Here is some more information:

• Preventing stormwater pollution at construction sites (PDF)
• What is a stormwater pollution prevention plan (PDF)

View the calendar if you are interested in attending environmentally-focused events at Southern Methodist University.

If you have feedback regarding the City's stormwater programs that you would like to share, please email Jodie Ledat.

Another way you can help is to let us know if you see a spill or discharge. A spill is any release of material that threatens human health or the environment. An illicit discharge is any discharge to the City's storm sewer that is not composed entirely of stormwater, except discharges that are allowed by permit.

If you see oil, antifreeze, paint, or any other questionable material being spilled or intentionally dumped on the roadway or into a stormwater inlet, please contact Jodie Ledat at 214-987-5447 or by emailing Jodie Ledat.

Learn how you can make a big difference on our local waterways (PDF).

These websites provide a wealth of additional information on this subject:

• Earth 911 Website
• Take Care of Texas Website
• City of Dallas Where Does It Go Page
• Texas Smart Scape Website