What is Stormwater & Why Do I Care?

What is Stormwater?

Around here, the weather can be a bit unpredictable, especially when North Texas is known for its large amount of rainfall in a short period of time. These downpours produce stormwater (water that originates from rain, snow, or ice melt) that can begin to accumulate on the street, sidewalks, and front yards. Stormwater can soak into the soil, be stored on the land surface in ponds and puddles, evaporate, or contribute to surface runoff.

Why is a Stormwater Utility Needed

Celina’s storm sewer system is a separate utility system necessary to safely and efficiently convey a property’s rainfall-runoff into pipe systems, drainage channels, detention structures, streams, and water bodies. 

  • This system requires diligent monitoring and maintenance to perform effectively, including activities such as:
  • Flood Protection (Preventing Property Damage)
  • Water Quality Protection (Preventing the Pollution of Creeks & Streams)
  • Preventative Maintenance (Debris Removal, Sediment Removal, Erosion Protection & Storm Sewer Infrastructure Repairs)

Maintaining Drainage

Improperly maintained drainage systems or a lack of drainage systems could lead to flooding, disease, or destruction. Included in the Celina Master Plan, the city has built-in maintenance costs to upgrade the existing downtown drainage systems.  

Additionally, the Master Plan allows for proper drainage through each stage of development. Our planning today ensures that the appropriate infrastructure will efficiently drain this stormwater as we continue to expand. Thus, preventing our local homes, businesses, and other property in the area from the danger of expensive damages that many insurance policies do not cover.

How is My Stormwater Determined?

Much like a sewer bill is based on the amount of sewage sent to the sewer collection system, a stormwater utility fee is based upon the amount of stormwater runoff generated by the impervious area of a property that flows to the storm system. Impervious areas, such as parking lots, rooftops, and driveways, keep rainfall from soaking into the ground and increase runoff to Celina’s storm sewer system.