The stormwater system is completely separate from the sanitary sewer system, and stormwater is not process or treated before it is discharged to our waterways. The City and County of Denver maintains different types of stormwater management facilities such as retention ponds, grassy swales and other kinds of buffers that help naturally filter out pollutants before they hit the waterways, and works with residents to reduce pollutants before they reach the stormwater system.
Stormwater runoff is generated when water from rain and snowmelt flows over land or impervious surfaces (like paved streets, parking lots, and building rooftops) and is not absorbed into the ground. As the runoff flows over the land or impervious surfaces, it accumulates debris, chemicals, sediment or other pollutants. If those pollutants get into our waterways, they can cause problems for wildlife, algae blooms and flooding during storms.
Pollutants in waterways can cause problems for public health, spreading through flooding during storms. Denver will implement new treatment methods to preserve the health of neighborhoods and larger waterways.
To mitigate the impacts caused by impervious surfaces, Denver is prioritizing new green infrastructure projects, using parks, open space areas, and urban design to create networks that filter water for natural treatment before it discharges to waterways.
Help safeguard our lakes and streams.
Contact the Division of Environmental Quality at 720-865-5452 if you notice any of the following unusual conditions in our lakes and streams:
"Clear Choices" tips (PDF)
The problem:
Gas, oil and other fluids from cars end up on streets and get washed into the stormwater system during storms or snow melts.
What you can do:
Keeping your car tuned can not only help keep pollutants out of the waterways, but can also save you money and prolong the life of your car.
Here are 5 small things anyone can do to keep your car running smoothly:
The problem:
Sediment gets into the stormwater runoff, clogging the storm drain system. If it reaches waterways, it can muddy the waters, reducing oxygen levels and raising the temperature of the water, harming aquatic wildlife.
What you can do:
Denver's Erosion Control Guide for formatting and minimum plan design criteria, standards and requirements used to regulate stormwater plan preparation, permitting, field implementation, and enforcement of the City and County of Denver (Denver or City) Stormwater Criteria for Construction Activities.
NOTE: Formally titled Erosion Control Permits
Problem:
Excess fertilizer washes off lawns and ends up in waterways where it can cause algae blooms and harm aquatic wildlife.
Solution:
Be sure you're applying fertilizer properly.
Here are 5 tips on how to keep your lawn looking good while helping keep Denver's waters clean.
The problem:
Pet waste can be a major source of bacteria and excess nutrients in local waters. When it rains, any pet waste on lawns, parks or streets washes into the storm drain system and ends up in local waterways, resulting in high e coli bacteria levels and making waterways unusable for swimming, boating or other activities.
What you can do:
The problem:
Yard waste (such as grass clippings, leaves and dirt) get into the storm drain system. This can clog the system and cause floods, and harm aquatic wildlife.
What you can do:
Leave the height of your grass long when mowing and leave clippings on your lawn to decompose. "Grass-cycling" is a great source of nitrogen and saves water and fertilizer (which also saves you money).
Look into composting. You can compost leaves, yard debris, and non-meat food scraps. They make great soil for the garden.