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Stormwater
Best Management Practices for Contractors
The following guides and brochures provide information on Construction Best Management Practices that builders are required to maintain while building and developing.
Construction Site Best Management Practices
Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
The City of Lakeway was originally issued authorization under the Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES) Small MS4 General Permit administered by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) in 2015. Authorization under this permit is required for all operators of a small municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) that discharges stormwater to surface waters of the state. A primary requirement of this permit is the development of a Stormwater Management Program (SWMP) which includes plans for the implementation of control measures that serve to reduce pollution in stormwater to the maximum extent practical. Per the requirements of the permit, the city plans to implement best management practices (BMPs) detailed under the following categories of Minimum Control Measures (MCMs):
1) Public Education, Outreach, and Involvement
2) Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
3) Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control
4) Post Construction Storm Water Management in New Development and Redevelopment
5) Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations
2022 Phase II Small MS4 Annual Report
What is “Stormwater”?
The term “stormwater” refers to precipitation resulting from a storm event. Impervious surfaces such as rooftops, driveways, and roads prevent stormwater from infiltrating into the ground. W
hen a storm event occurs, the portion of water that is not absorbed into the ground becomes what is known as “stormwater runoff”.
Why should you care about stormwater runoff?
Stormwater runoff picks up and carries a wide variety of pollutants and debris – such as sediments, fertilizers, pesticides, pet waste, trash, and automotive fluids – which then flow into storm drains or channels and eventually empty into the waterways that we use for recreation and drinking water. Unlike household wastewater (from sinks, toilets, and showers), stormwater is not filtered or treated at a wastewater treatment plant and is conveyed directly into nearby lakes, rivers, and creeks.
What are common sources of stormwater pollution?
While there are many different pollutants that are carried by stormwater, typical stormwater pollution may be divided into three general categories:
- Natural – organic material such as leaves, grass clippings, and soil sediments.
- Chemical – items such as detergents, fertilizers, oil and grease.
- Litter – plastic bags, drink containers, wrappers, and cigarette butts.
How can you help minimize stormwater pollution?
The following guides and brochures provide information not only on the importance of stormwater management but steps that you, as a resident, can take to maintain the environmental health of our community:
Homeowners Guide for Stormwater Drainage
Homeowner Guide for Septic Systems
TCEQ - The “Take Care of Texas” Guide to Yard Care
City of Austin - Native and Adapted Landscape Plants
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our Environmental Coordinator Triet Vu at
trietvu@lakeway-tx.gov or 512-621-8911.