Stormwater Management

Quail Hollow Bridge


Stormwater Management Program (SWMP)

The Stormwater Management Program is a Town-wide program that has adopted best management practices to prevent pollution of our creeks and streams. 

The Stormwater Management Plan is a permit requirement from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). In order to comply with TCEQ regulations, the Town must follow through with the commitments outlined in the plan. Changes to the SWMP can be made to improve effectiveness.


What is stormwater?

Stormwater is rainfall that flows over our yards, streets, alleys, parking lots, and buildings. As stormwater runoff travels, it picks up all kinds of chemicals, waste, and trash and enters the storm drains in your street. Unlike sewage, stormwater is not cleaned at a wastewater treatment facility. Whatever enters the storm drain goes directly into local creeks and lakes in our area.


Why should you care?

Some chemicals and other substances in stormwater can be toxic, even at small levels. They endanger plants and animals that depend on the water to survive. Seemingly harmless items like leaves and grass clippings decompose in our waterways and cause the same problems for fish and aquatic life. Even soil, sand, and minerals used in landscaping can cloud waterways inhibiting underwater plant growth and depleting oxygen levels.  


What can you do?

Stormwater pollution can be controlled if everyone plays a part in preventing these substances from entering the storm drain inlets in the streets where they live and work.

Residents

Residents can help prevent stormwater pollution by:

  • Picking up after your pets
  • Asking your landscaper to avoid blowing leaves and grass clippings onto sidewalks and streets 
  • Applying fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides when rain is not expected
  • Picking up litter
  • Disposing of hazardous chemicals properly 
  • Notifying the Town of Westlake's Public Works Department of construction sites that aren't properly controlling stormwater runoff

Contractors

Contractors can also help prevent stormwater pollution at job sites. Here is some more information: 


Report an Issue or Violation

To report a concern or violation, please call the Public Works Department at 817-490-5733 or send us an Email.