One of the reasons the city is implementing the storm water utility is to meet tough new U.S. EPA regulations. In addition to flooding, poor storm drainage also causes water pollution. Uncontrolled runoff also contributes to erosion which causes sediment build-up in our streams and rivers.

Storm water also picks up a lot of things on its way to area streams and rivers — litter, road salt, lawn, garden, and agricultural chemicals, and more. Backyard mechanics that drain oil, antifreeze, or gas into the storm sewer pose a threat to the environment.