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“When you overhear from a Parkland doctor, ‘If I ever have a heart attack I hope I’m in Farmers Branch when it happens,’ you know you’re in capable hands with the FB Fire Department. Our Police Department is equally effective and highly visible. We have the deepest appreciation for the dedicated professionals we have looking out for us every hour of every day.”

– Ellen Toliver
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What is Storm Water

Water that flows over land when it rains and enters our storm drains and local waterways (streams, creeks, ponds) is considered storm water.

Storm water pollution is one of the biggest threats to the health of our surface waters.  As it flows over the land it comes in contact with common contaminants like sediment, oil and grease, detergents, fertilizers, pesticides, toxic metals and harmful bacteria from pet waste and sanitary sewer overflow.

Oil, grease and detergents are washed off of roads and parking lots.  Fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides are released from lawns and landscaped areas.  Sediment and debris are carried off of construction sites.  Unlike sewage, which is collected and treated, anything that flows into the storm sewer system empties directly into waterways without any treatment.  In Farmers Branch, the potentially polluted storm water runoff eventually flows into the Trinity River, impacting the source of our drinking water.

How I Can Help to Improve the Quality of the Water Entering my Waterways

  • Apply pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers according to the product label.  Contact the product manufactuer if any questions arise regarding the applications of the chemicals needed.  Apply lawn chemicals far in advance to a rain event to reduce the amount of runoff.
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  • Repair leaking hoses and seals on motor vehicles.  The oil and grease that leaks onto the drive is carried off your driveway and into the nearby streams such as Farmers Branch Creek, Rawhide Creek and Cooks Creek.
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  • Wash your vehicle at a commercial car was in town.  The detergent, dirt, oil and grease from the washing is sent to the sanitary sewer system where it is later treated and released for a beneficial use.  There are numerous self serve and full service car washes in Farmers Branch.
 
  • Use a mulching blade on your lawn mower or capture the grass for mulch.  Blowing excess grass into the street travels to the creeks and reduces water quality by adding nutrients for unwanted bacterial and algae growth.
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  • "Doo the Right Thing" and pick up after your pet when he or she "Doo's" and place into the trash.  This prevents your pet's waste from being picked up by storm water and transported to the water ways which can cause elevated counts of bacteria in the creeks.  Please contact the Environmental Health Division for a pet waste bag holder at 972.919.2537 while supplies last.  Farmers Branch residents only.

Storm Water Hotline

Report any storm water quality or creek issues to 972.919.2537