Stormwater Management

Stormwater Management

About Stormwater
The term "stormwater" refers to surface water that flows across the land into creeks, rivers, and lakes. Surface water is a precious resource, especially in Waxahachie because it is the primary water supply for our city. Our stormwater in Waxahachie will eventually flow to Lake Waxahachie and Lake Bardwell which water supplies provide drinking water to our residents, businesses and industries.

When rain hits any hard surface, such as your roof or driveway, it can't soak into the ground so it runs off your property. Uncontrolled runoff can lead to flooding, erosion and pollution problems. It is the city's job to help control this runoff.

The City Engineer is working to modernize the Waxahachie storm water system and educate the public about the dangers of flooding.

Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) 
The City Stormwater Discharge Ordinance was adopted to comply with the TCEQ MS4 Permit. This required the City of Waxahachie to development of a Stormwater Management Program (SWMP) to protect water quality to the maximum extent practicable.  

The permit required the SWMP to include five (5) minimum control measures.  These are:

  • Public Education, Outreach and Involvement 
  • Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
  • Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control
  • Post Construction Stormwater Management
  • Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations 
The following is the Draft 2019 Storm Water Management Program (SWMP) :

The following is the  2014 Storm Water Management Program (SWMP) and the yearly reports:

  1. 2014 Stormwater Management Program (SWMP)

How You Can Protect Stormwater
You should be aware of these common pollutants and how you can help:

  • Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) - The following are some public education flyer to reduce Fats, Oils and Grease: 
  • Fertilizer - Should be applied at appropriate rates or consider organic fertilizers
  • Hazardous Household Chemicals - Should be disposed of properly
  • Herbicides and Pesticides - Use only when necessary and consider natural alternatives
  • Pet Waste - Must be removed in parks and should consider yard cleaning
  • Pool / Spa Water - Allow water to de-chlorinate for 3 days before discharging or a pool supply store has products for de-chlorinate.  Discharge through the grass to prevent silt or other solids from discharging street storm system.
  • Sediment - Vegetate or mulch bare soil and protect dirt piles from washing away
  • Trash / Litter - Should not leave outside where it can be moved by wind or water
  • Vehicle Fluids - Should take precautions to not spill and dispose of properly.
  • Yard Waste - Dispose of grass clippings and leaves appropriately or consider composting.  Tree limbs, bushes and other vegetation may be disposed at the city’s convenience station for mulching. 

Commercial and Industrial Activities
You may be required to obtain Multi-Sector General Permit coverage from TCEQ. To ensure you are in compliance please check the TCEQ Small Business and Local Government Assistance website

The following is a Public Education for Commercial Stormwater:
Commercial Stormwater Flyer

Construction Activity
Before beginning a construction project you should check the requirements of the Stormwater Ordinance and the 2018 General Permit to Discharge under the Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System. Those who obtain coverage under that permit can electronically submit the required MS4 notifications to  MS4@waxahachie.com. The Guidelines for SWP3 and Erosion Control Plan Preparation in Waxahachie are located here

The following is a Public Education Construction Activity Flyer:
Construction Activity Flyer

Storm Water Coloring Sheets
Click images below to print coloring sheets:

Storm Water Coloring Page 1        Storm Water Coloring Page 2