STORMWATER QUALITY

To report spills into the storm drain systems or illegal dumping call 303-987-7111.

Helpful Links: (Links in PDF Format are accessible with Adobe Acrobat Reader.)

What is being done by the City of Lakewood to protect water quality in our streams and rivers?

Would you like to take a brief Stormwater quiz?

More information about urban stormwater runoff and its effect on water quality.

Learn about Lakewood's Stormwater Discharge Permit.

The links below will take you to other informative websites.

Bear Creek Watershed Association
Colorado Non-Point Source Program
Colorado Stormwater Regulations
Colorado State University Water Page
Colorado Water Protection Project

The City of Lakewood, along with other local governments along the Front Range, protects the quality of our water. Under the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting program, the City is required to identify and eliminate the sources of pollution that enter our storm sewer system and discharge to our waterways.

The ultimate goal is preventing pollutants from entering the storm sewer system, streams and rivers. The storm drains move rain and snow melt away from our streets to avoid flooding. The first ½ inch of rain or snowmelt can carry many pollutants from the urban environment directly to the creeks and streams. When it rains, contaminants - like litter, animal waste, automobile fluids, fertilizers and pesticides-can make their way into the storm drains and pollute nearby streams, creeks, rivers and lakes. Stormwater pollution can create health risks for children, kill aquatic life, and contribute to neighborhood flooding.

By controlling what enters neighborhood storm drains, we can reduce the pollutants entering gulches, creeks and rivers. By following the City Of Lakewood's stormwater pollution prevention guidance you can reduce the negative effects you may unknowingly be having on our environment.