Stormwater Management

Where the water's edge ends, the Stormwater Management begins..


What is stormwater?

Stormwater is precipitation that accumulates, in natural/constructed storage and stormwater systems, during and immediately following a storm event. 

According to the EPA,

"Stormwater is rainwater or melted snow that runs off streets, lawns and other sites. When stormwater is absorbed into soil, it is filtered and ultimately replenishes aquifers or flows into streams and rivers."


Picture of Stormwater Flow

Introduction and Background

In 1997 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) extended the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirements of the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) that had, as of 1990, was applied only to medium and larger municipalities. By 2003, the policy extended to smaller jurisdictions for them to obtain permit coverage. The City of Inverness received its permit on October 1, 2019 and it is in effect until September 30, 2024.

The City of Inverness, Department of Public Works is proud to do its part in protecting the environment. We work to minimize the entry of pollutants into its precious water resources and to provide the community with good, safe drinking water. We are also doing our part to help lake waters swimmable, and protect a quality habitat for fishing and water sports.

The central plans for the City are to grow as a desirable community in which to live, work, and play. An important concern regarding such growth is the risk of pollution, and one form rarely discussed, is stormwater runoff. In urban areas, such as Inverness, much of the land is covered by buildings and pavement, which prevents rainwater from soaking into the ground.

The City Stormwater System Map has been verified and updated; including 12 documented outfalls along with receiving bodies of water. We will review current ordinances, in the land development code, to determine if any changes are needed. Informational fliers have been developed and are being distributed to the public and building contractors.

How You Can Help

You can make a difference to the future of Florida's water systems. We can all contribute to a safer water supply and healthy future for all generations to come. Here are some things you can do to help improve natural water resources:

  • Use phosphate free soaps when washing your vehicles, boats and homes. Use environmentally safe cleaning products on your animals.
  • Do not let paint, thinners, or other chemicals flow into the street.
  • Remember to blow leaves, soils, and other yard debris back into your yard, not onto the walkways or streets.
  • Control soil erosion on your property by planting ground cover and stabilizing erosion-prone areas.
  • Dispose of garbage in proper bags/receptacles.

 

How Businesses Can Help

  • Building Contractors should keep excess silts and soils from roadways, and keep chemicals from reaching the streets. We can recycle as much construction debris as possible.
  • Restaurants should remember to clean grease traps regularly, recycle cans, and other containers, and use environmentally friendly cleaning solutions.
  • Lawn Services should always blow grass clippings back onto the property instead of the sidewalk or streets.

Illicit Discharge

Federal Regulations define an illicit discharge as “…any discharge to a stormwater system that is not composed entirely of storm water…” with some exceptions. These exceptions include discharges from NPDES-permitted industrial sources and discharges from fire-fighting activities. Illicit discharges are considered “illicit” because MS4s are not designed to accept, process, or discharge such non-storm water wastes. You can report an illicit discharge concern here.


Examples of Illicit Discharge Sources

  • Sanitary wastewater
  • Effluent from septic tanks
  • Car wash wastewater
  • Improper oil disposal
  • Radiator flushing disposal
  • Laundry wastewater
  • Spills from roadway accidents
  • Improper disposal of auto and household toxics

If you have any questions or comments please contact the Public Works Department at (352) 726-2321 or PublicWorks@Inverness.gov.

Storm Water Master Plan