Stormwater
City of Wildwood Stormwater
WHAT IS STORMWATER POLLUTION?
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines stormwater as water that results from a rainfall event and flows over hardened or impervious surfaces, such as rooftops, driveways, sidewalks, and parking lots.
In developed areas, these surfaces prevent the water from naturally soaking into the ground. As the water travels into the stormwater drainage system, it can collect oil, chemicals, bacteria, sediment, pet waste, trash, and other pollutants. It is important to know stormwater systems are not connected to sanitary sewer systems.
Once the water enters the stormwater drainage system, these pollutants or illicit discharges can contaminate Florida’s natural resources including ponds, lakes, wetlands, oceans, and our drinking water!
LEARN WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PREVENT STORMWATER POLLUTION!
Pollutants or illicit discharges that enter into the City’s stormwater drainage system are in violation of Stormwater Ordinance 2022-59.
No person shall discharge or cause to be discharged into the municipal storm drain system or watercourses any materials, including but not limited to pollutants or waters containing any pollutants that cause or contribute to a violation of applicable water quality standards, other than stormwater.
Protect our environment from these types of pollution by following simple Best Management Practices.
Best Management Practices (BMP) are practices or combinations of practices that are effective and practicable means of preventing or reducing the amount of pollution generated by nonpoint sources, to a level compatible with water quality goals.
Healthy Habits for Clean Water
Recycle or properly dispose of hazardous household products such as insecticides, pesticides, paint, solvents, used motor oil and other auto fluids. Do not pour them onto the ground or into storm drains.
Choose eco-friendly products. Purchase and use nontoxic, biodegradable, recycled, and recyclable products whenever possible.
Reduce paved areas and increase vegetated spaces in your yard. Use native plants to reduce the need for watering during dry periods. Direct downspouts away from paved surfaces and onto lawns or landscaped areas to promote natural infiltration and reduce runoff.
Dispose of pet waste properly. Flushing is the best method. Leaving pet waste on the ground increases public health risks by allowing harmful bacteria and nutrients to wash into storm drains and local waterways.
Keep yard waste out of storm drains.Do not blow lawn clippings into the street or down the storm drains. Instead, blow them back onto the lawn or into flower beds as free mulch and fertilizer.
Use fertilizers and pesticides sparingly. When necessary, apply only the recommended amounts and sweep excess material off streets and driveways. Avoid application before rainfall to prevent chemical runoff.
Check for fluid leaks. Inspect your car, boat, motorcycle, and other equipment for leaks and spills. Repair leaks promptly. Clean spills with absorbent materials like kitty litter or sand never rinse spills into storm drains. Dispose of used absorbents properly.
Proper Disposal of Household Hazardous Waste
For information on how to dispose of household hazardous chemicals, contact:
Sumter County Public Works
Hazardous Waste Project Manager
319 East Anderson Ave. • Bushnell, FL 33513
(352) 793-0240 • fax (352) 793-0247
To report illegal disposal of hazardous chemicals call:
City of Wildwood Public Works Department
352-330-1343
For local oil recycling sites, call:
call 1-800-741-4337.
For biomedical waste disposal, contact your local county health department:
Florida Department of Health in Sumter County- Main Location
415 East Noble Avenue Bushnell, FL 33513
Clean Water Is Protected by Law
Did you know our most valuable resource - water - is protected under the Clean Water Act?
Learn more at:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency | US EPA
Summary of the Clean Water Act | US EPA
You can also explore local water protection efforts through:
Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD)
2379 Broad Street Brooksville, FL 34604
352-796-7211
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Only Rain Down the Drain! The City of Wildwood participates in the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting program. This is a federal program administered by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). As a participant, the city must implement several Best Management Practices (BMPs) to educate the public about surface water quality and improve the discharge of stormwater runoff. The goal is to protect and enhance our environment by safeguarding local water resources. ►Volunteer Opportunity: Help mark designated storm drains with the message: “ONLY RAIN DOWN THE DRAIN.” Get involved and learn the importance of protecting local water resources and the environment! |
Stormwater Ponds
What Are Stormwater Ponds - and Why Do We Need Them?
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Stormwater ponds are designed to collect and manage runoff from rain events. When rain falls onto rooftops, streets, driveways, parking lots, and other impervious surfaces, the water that doesn’t soak into the ground flows into your neighborhood stormwater pond via grates, pipes, shallow swales, or ditches. Stormwater ponds are required for most new developments (since the 1980s). They help:
Without stormwater ponds, rainwater would carry pollutants such as:
....into streams, rivers, lakes, wetland, estuaries, or oceans |
