Contact Utilities
- Email Storm Water Management
- TEL: 281.275.2450
- FAX: 281.275.2465
- 111 Gillingham Lane
Sugar Land, Texas 77478
Welcome
Mission
The City of Sugar Land's Stormwater Management Program is committed to educate the public, contractors and developers on the Stormwater system and regulations, while promoting environmental stewardship. As a vital element in the City of Sugar Land's overall water resource management strategy, our mission is to efficiently implement a future surface and stormwater program that effectively addresses flood control and runoff quality issues while emphasizing the elimination of non-point pollution at the source.
Long Term Goals
- Protect life and property from storm, flood, or surplus surface water;
- Protect water quality by preventing siltation, contamination, and erosion of the City's waterways;
- Maintain compliance with federal and state surface water management and water quality regulations and legislation;
- Increase public awareness and citizen involvement; and encourage the preservation of natural drainage systems.
Useful Links
Report
Please call 281-275-2450 to report suspicious discharge, illegal dumping, or any other concern regarding stormwater or run-off. In an emergency please call 911.
Education
Residential
Construction
- EPA Stormwater Discharges From Construction Activities
- The Construction Industry Compliance Assistance Center
- EPA Guide for Construction Sites
- EPA "Stormwater and the Construction Industry" Maintaining your BMPs
- TCEQ "Steps to Obtain Construction Permits for Storm Water Discharges" (English)
Businesses
Teacher & Education
Kids Page
Annual Reports
Frequently Asked Questions
What is stormwater runoff?
Stormwater runoff occurs when precipitation from rain or snowmelt flows over ground. Impervious surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, and streets prevent stormwater from naturally soaking into the ground.
Why is stormwater runoff a problem?
Stormwater can pick up debris, chemicals, dirt, and other pollutants and flow into a storm sewer system or directly to a lake, stream, river, wetland, or coastal water. Anything that enters a storm sewer system is discharged untreated into the waterbodies we use for swimming, fishing, and providing drinking water.
What is a Stormwater Management Program (SWMP)?
A SWMP is a plan that outlines how a city will reduce stormwater pollution. A SWMP consists of Best Management Practices that are grouped into six categories:
- Public Education and Outreach
- Public Participation and Involvement
- Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
- Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control
- Post Construction Stormwater Management
- Pollution Prevention / Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations
Why did the City of Sugar Land develop a SWMP?
The City of Sugar Land developed a Stormwater Management Program (SWMP) to comply with State and Federal regulations and improve the quality of life in our city. The City's SWMP contains Best Management Practices (BMPs) to reduce the amount of pollution in the stormwater that runs off into our lakes and streams. By more effectively managing stormwater runoff, the City of Sugar Land can protect public health, spur economic development, and create a more attractive community.
How do I find out what BMPs have been implemented and what BMPs will be implemented in the future?
The City's SWMP is available online. The City produces an annual report, which is due to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) on August 13th each year. These annual reports outline the status of BMP implementation and describe what BMPs are anticipated for the next reporting cycle. The City's annual reports are available on the Stormwater Section of the Utilities page.
What types of pollution are found in stormwater?
Some of the most common contaminants that are found in stormwater are listed below. For more information see Overview
- Sediment from eroded soil and construction sites
- Excess nutrients from lawn fertilizers
- Excess organic matter from leaf and grass clippings
- Bacteria and disease causing organisms from pet waste or raw, untreated sewage
- Debris /Trash such as plastic bags, cans, bottles, and cigarette butts
- Household hazardous waste like insecticides, pesticides, paint, solvents, used motor oil, and other auto fluids
- Metal particles deposited on roadways from automobiles
Where does my Stormwater go?
Stormwater runoff from Sugar Land flows to Oyster Creek.
In the near future, additional water supplies will be pumped through Oyster Creek from the Brazos River to serve as the primary potable water source for the City of Sugar Land. Drinking water is treated to remove harmful contaminants and make it safe for human consumption. Higher concentrations of contaminants in our stormwater require more treatment to make the water safe for us to drink.
Can I dispose of used motor oil on the ground or in the garbage?
NEVER dispose used motor oil on the ground; in a ditch, creek, river, or lake; in a storm drain; or in the garbage. It's against the law. Texas law prohibits dumping used oil on land or into sewers or waterways. Texas has also banned used oil filters from being placed in or accepted for disposal in a landfill.
Why is used motor oil so harmful?
One oil change - improperly disposed and not recycled - can contaminate one million gallons of fresh water, which is a year's supply for 50 people.
What are Household Hazardous Chemicals?
Many common household chemicals are dangerous to our kids, pets, and the environment. These materials may pollute our waterways if washed or dumped into storm drains or roadside ditches that lead directly to our streams and lakes. Household cleaners, pesticides, gasoline, antifreeze, used motor oil, and other hazardous products should to be labeled, stored, and disposed of properly.
Can leaves and grass clippings go in the storm drain?
No. Even though leaves and grass are natural and biodegradable, these organic materials consume oxygen when they decompose and remove dissolved oxygen from the water. Fish and other aquatic organisms require oxygen and will die in the absence of oxygen.
Who do I call if I see anyone illegally dumping into the storm drain?
Call the City of Sugar Land's Storm Water Hotline at (281) 275-2450 to submit an anonymous report if you observe any of the following:
- Illegal dumping of trash and debris along roadways or in creeks
- Leaking automobiles
- Concrete dumped in the street or storm drain
- Paint dumped in storm drain
- Motor oil dumped in storm drain
- Sediment runoff from construction sites
- Yard clippings blown or swept into storm drains
- Sewage or septic tank leaks
