Stormwater is the surface runoff of rain and snow melt. Wentzville receives roughly 37 inches of rain annually, creating many millions of gallons of stormwater runoff per year. The volume and speed of the runoff can cause flooding and erosion, destroy natural habitat, and damage property.
In addition, rain and snow washes over roofs, streets, driveways, sidewalks, parking lots, and land surfaces. It can pick up a variety of pollutants, such as oil, pesticides, metals, chemicals, and soil. This polluted stormwater drains into the storm system that eventually discharges into our rivers and streams. The pollutants can endanger the water quality of our waterways, making them unhealthy for people, fish, and wildlife.
How does the City handle stormwater?
The City's has a "Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System" (MS4), meaning that it is separate from the sanitary sewer system. A variety of natural and artificial structures and land forms are considered part of the MS4: inlets, pipes, grass and concrete channels, culverts, ditches, and detention basins. To reduce flooding and safety issues, stormwater travels through the storm system and into nearby streams, rivers and lakes.
Since 2003, the City has implemented a Stormwater Management Plan for MS4 Permit compliance to reduce pollutants from being carried by storm runoff into local water bodies.
Stormwater Improvement Project Updates
Storm Water Management Plan (SWMP)
Why is stormwater management important?
Urbanization can increase the quantity and decrease the quality of runoff. Historically, cities have focused stormwater management programs on reducing the effects of flooding. In recent years, however, the focus has shifted to also include water quality degradation. Good storm water management benefits City property owners by reducing property damage and increasing the quality of receiving streams.
Have a stormwater concern?