Stormwater Management

For a number of reasons—including public health and safety, environmental, economic, legal liability, regulatory responsibility and to improve quality of life—cities and counties in the Metro Water District have a vested interest and need to effectively deal with stormwater runoff in their communities. Stormwater management involves both the prevention and mitigation of stormwater runoff quantity and quality impacts through the following areas:

1. Watershed Planning
   Using the watershed as the framework for managing land use and developing large scale solutions to regional stormwater quantity and quality problems
2. Land Development Requirements
   Addressing the impacts of new development and redevelopment through stormwater management requirements and minimum standards
3. Erosion and Sediment Control
   Controlling erosion and soil loss from construction areas and resultant sedimentation downstream
4. Floodplain Management
   Preserving the function of floodplain areas to reduce flood hazards, minimize risks to human life and property, reduce modifications to streams and protect water quality
5. Stormwater Asset Management
   Ensuring that stormwater management systems and structural controls work as designed and constructed. Includes the retrofitting of existing problem areas and streambank stabilization activities
6. Pollution Prevention
   Reducing or eliminating potential pollutants to the stormwater system and downstream receiving waters
7. Watershed Conditions Assessments
   Stream monitoring for chemical parameters, biological indicators or habitat conditions
8. Public Awareness & Education
   Educating the public in regards to stormwater issues and nonpoint source pollution