Cedar Park Storm Water:

The Ins and Outs & Why We Should Care

What is storm water runoff?

Runoff is water from rain, sleet, and snow that isn’t absorbed into the ground. Instead it flows down driveways, over sidewalks and streets, and through pipes, drains, and ditches to our creeks and lakes.

Why is runoff a problem?

Storm water runoff can be a major form of water pollution. A majority of Cedar Park is located within the contributing zone of the Edwards Aquifer, which is one of the most valuable natural resources in the Central Texas area. It’s extremely important that we protect our aquifer’s water quality because it provides water for municipal, industrial, and agricultural uses, as well as sustains a number of rare and endangered species.

How does polluted storm water affect us?

Storm water picks up debris, chemicals, dirt, and other pollutants and carries them into our storm sewer systems or directly into our lakes, streams, and rivers. This polluted storm water can cause algae to die and decompose in a process that removes oxygen from the water. Fish and other aquatic life can’t live in water with low oxygen levels. Debris can choke or suffocate ducks, fish, turtles, and birds. Pesticides, fertilizer, and auto fluids can poison them. Polluted storm water can also contaminate our drinking water sources.

What is the City of Cedar Park doing to help?

In addition to the City of Cedar Park Code of Ordinances that states that “No person shall sweep into or deposit in any street or sidewalk the accumulation of yard refuse, clippings, or litter from any building or property,” all public storm inlets will be marked with a “No Dumping, Drains to River” marker. The markers will be similar to the image below.

We are also in the process of mapping the entire public storm sewer system, identifying all major inlets and outfalls. This will allow us to track where storm water enters and exits the system so that we can isolate sources of pollution.

What can you do to help?

Keeping pollutants out of storm water runoff in the first place is much easier than installing storm water treatment facilities. Not to mention less expensive.

• Don’t blow grass clippings into your driveway or street
• Sweep driveways, sidewalks and gutters to keep debris out of storm sewers
• Use fertilizers and pesticides in recommended amounts. Consider using organic alternatives
• Direct downspouts to your lawn, not the driveway or street
• Wash your car on your lawn or at a car wash
• Clean up after your pet
• Dispose of hazardous materials properly
• Practice dry clean-up methods – for instance, instead of hosing down your driveway or sidewalk, use a broom to sweep up waste
• Recycle used engine oil

You can also help us by reporting any pollution violations you notice. Construction sites, for instance, are one of the biggest contributors of dirt in our storm water and are required to practice pollution controls. Though routine inspections are made throughout the city, we could always use another set of eyes. See the back page for reporting contact information.

Reporting Violations

Please report all pollution violations, construction-site or otherwise, to the:

Cedar Park Engineering Department
pw@cedarparktx.us
512-401-5550

Be sure to include the site address or location and your concerns.

Additional Information

EPA’s “Guide to Understanding Storm Water”:
http://www.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/after_the_storm.pdf

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality:
http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/