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Preventing Stormwater Pollution#

Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit#

"A river is the report card for its watershed."

The City’s storm drainage system serves a dual purpose: to prevent property flooding by directing stormwater into local creeks and the Cache la Poudre River and to protect these water bodies from pollutants commonly present in an urban environment.

According to the EPA, stormwater pollution is the number one source of water pollution in the country. To minimize pollutants transported by stormwater runoff into the storm sewer system and downstream receiving waters, the City implements programs in accordance with its Colorado Discharge Permit System MS4 Permit.

Programs include:

  • Pollution prevention and good housekeeping for municipal operations
    • This internal program focuses on municipal facilities and activities and is designed to help prevent pollutants from entering the storm drainage system.
  • Illicit discharge detection and elimination
    • The City responds to reports of spills and illegal dumping that may enter the storm drainage system and threaten the health of our streams. Information on how to report a spill can be found at the top of this page. 

Did You Know?

Small leaks and drips add up. Don't drip and drive.

Using power strips to turn off selected appliances when not in use helps reduce energy use.

Algal blooms appear in waterbodies under certain environmental conditions. Mid-summer through early fall is when they most commonly occur.