Mapping the Storm Drain System

• Improved Detection of Pollution Sources – Mapping helps identify where stormwater flows and where pollutants may be entering the system, making it easier to trace and eliminate sources of contamination.
• Efficient Maintenance and Inspection – A detailed map allows for more effective scheduling of inspections, cleanings, and repairs to prevent blockages and reduce the risk of polluted runoff.
• Faster Response to Illicit Discharges – When illegal dumping or accidental spills occur, mapped systems allow for quick identification of affected areas and faster containment and cleanup.
• Public Education and Awareness – Maps can help educate residents and businesses about the drainage pathways near them, encouraging better practices to prevent pollution.
• Stormwater Planning and Infrastructure Upgrades – Accurate maps are essential for planning future improvements or expansions to the drainage system, ensuring better long-term management of runoff.

Conducting Dry Weather Screenings

• Identifies Illicit Discharges – During dry weather, stormwater systems should not have flowing water. Detecting flow during these conditions often signals illegal dumping or unauthorized connections, allowing for early intervention.
• Prevents Harmful Pollutants from Reaching Waterways – By identifying and stopping sources of pollution—such as sewage leaks, chemical discharges, or wastewater connections—before they enter the system, harmful contaminants are kept out of rivers, lakes, and streams.
• Improves System Understanding and Maintenance – Routine screenings can uncover unknown connections, deteriorated infrastructure, or improper drainage, helping cities update their stormwater maps and improve maintenance.
• Enables Targeted Pollution Prevention – Once pollution sources are identified, the city can focus education, enforcement, or cleanup efforts on specific areas, making pollution prevention more effective.
• Cost-Effective Pollution Control – Early detection and correction of problems reduce the need for costly cleanups, environmental restoration, or health interventions later on.

Investigating Reports of Illegal Dumping or Unauthorized Connections

• Stops Pollution at the Source – Investigations help quickly identify and eliminate sources of harmful substances—such as chemicals, oils, sewage, or debris—before they enter the storm drain system and pollute local waterways.
• Prevents Harm to Public Health and Wildlife – Many dumped materials contain toxic substances or bacteria that can harm people, pets, and aquatic life. Investigations help prevent these pollutants from reaching recreational waters and natural habitats.
• Deters Future Violations – Active investigation and enforcement discourage others from dumping waste or making illegal connections, fostering a culture of compliance and responsibility.
• Enhances Community Awareness and Engagement – Public reporting and visible investigations show that the city is committed to protecting local waterways, encouraging residents and businesses to report concerns and follow best practices.
• Improves Infrastructure Integrity – Unauthorized connections can overload or damage the storm drain system. Identifying and removing them helps maintain proper function and reduces costly repairs.

Promoting Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Events

• Reduces Improper Disposal of Harmful Substances – Many people unknowingly dispose of hazardous products—like paint, motor oil, pesticides, and cleaners—by pouring them down drains or into the trash. Collection events provide a safe, convenient alternative.
• Prevents Contaminants from Entering Storm Drains – Without proper disposal options, hazardous household products can end up on streets, driveways, or in yards, where rain can wash them into the storm drain system and eventually into local waterways.
• Protects Water Quality and Aquatic Life – Chemicals in household products can be toxic to fish, wildlife, and plant life. Proper collection keeps these pollutants out of streams, rivers, and lakes, helping maintain healthy ecosystems.
• Educates the Public on Proper Waste Handling – Promoting HHW events raises awareness about what qualifies as hazardous waste and how it should be managed, encouraging more responsible behavior year-round.
• Reduces Risk of Soil and Groundwater Contamination – Hazardous waste that’s dumped or buried improperly can seep into the soil and contaminate groundwater. Collection events help prevent this long-term environmental damage.

Simple Ways to Protect Our Water

• Avoid fertilizing before a storm. Fertilizer needs at least a day or two to soak into your lawn. Applying it just before rain means it will likely wash into storm drains, polluting our waterways. Always follow the product’s instructions and use only the amount recommended for your lawn size.

• Never use motor oil, gasoline, or kerosene to control weeds or pests. These toxic substances can easily wash into creeks and rivers, harming water quality and wildlife.

• Use pesticides sparingly. Try non-toxic or low-toxicity options first, and remember that not all bugs are bad—some are beneficial for your garden.

• Plant native or drought-tolerant species. Texas Smartscape plants are well-suited for our climate, need less water and maintenance, and typically don’t require pesticides to thrive.

• Water wisely with the cycle and soak method. Our clay-heavy soil doesn’t absorb water quickly. Try watering in shorter cycles with breaks in between to allow water to soak in and reduce runoff.

• Pick up pet waste. Always bag pet waste and throw it in the trash. Left on the ground, it can wash into storm drains, carrying bacteria into local waterways. It’s not a safe or effective lawn fertilizer.

• Properly dispose of yard trimmings. Sweep and bag leaves and grass clippings in large paper yard bags. Place them three feet from your trash cart on your regular collection day. Never blow or wash yard waste into streets or storm drains—keeping them clear helps prevent flooding. With thousands of storm drains in Bryan, your help makes a big difference!

• Collect rainwater. Use a rain barrel to capture runoff from your roof and reuse it on dry days. The Brazos Valley Groundwater Conservation District even offers a rebate for installing a rain barrel.

Protecting Water While Maintaining Your Vehicle

• Avoid washing your car in the driveway. When you wash your car at home, soapy water, along with oil, dirt, and grime, can flow into storm drains and eventually pollute our local waterways.

• Choose a commercial car wash instead. Professional car wash facilities are equipped to recycle wash water and send it to the sanitary sewer system, where it gets properly treated.

• Fix vehicle leaks promptly. Leaking fluids like oil, coolant, and brake fluid can harm the environment. Repairing leaks quickly helps prevent these substances from washing into storm drains.

• Recycle used car fluids and parts responsibly. Take used oil, oil filters, and antifreeze to an auto service center that accepts these materials. You can also drop them off at the Environmental Collection Center. Visit their website for more information.

• Recycle car batteries. Most auto parts stores and battery retailers accept old batteries for recycling. Note that some may charge a small fee for this service.

• Store auto parts properly. Keep spare parts and tools in a covered area to prevent oil and grease from being washed away by rain and entering the stormwater system.

Boating Responsibly to Protect Water Quality

• Handle gasoline with care. Always take extra caution when fueling to prevent spills on the ground or in the water, as even small amounts can be harmful.

• Never litter in or near water. Trash left behind can break down and release toxins that damage water quality and harm wildlife. Items like fishing line and six-pack rings are especially dangerous to fish, birds, and other aquatic animals.

• Maintain your boat engine. Check it regularly and repair any oil leaks right away to prevent pollution.

• Use minimal soap when cleaning your boat. Rinse and scrub with a brush whenever possible. If soap is needed, choose a non-toxic, phosphate-free product and use it sparingly. Wash your boat in areas where runoff won’t reach storm drains or natural waterways.

• Dispose of paint debris properly. When removing paint from your boat’s hull, use a drop cloth to catch scrapings or sweep them up and place them in the trash. Many bottom paints contain copper or tin, which are toxic to aquatic life and degrade water quality.

What is stormwater?

Stormwater is rain that does not absorb into the soil and runs off of buildings, roads and other surfaces into stormwater systems, streams, creeks and rivers.

What is a Stormwater Management Program (SWMP)?

A SWMP is a plan that outlines how a city will reduce stormwater pollution. A SWMP consists of Best Management Practices that are grouped into six categories.

• Public Education and Outreach
• Public Participation and Involvement
• Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
• Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control
• Post Construction Stormwater Management
• Pollution Prevention / Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations

Why did the City of Bryan develop a SWMP?

The City of Bryan developed a Stormwater Management Program (SWMP) to comply with State and Federal regulations and improve the quality of life in our city. The City’s SWMP contains activities or Best Management Practices (BMPs) to reduce the amount of pollution in the stormwater that runs off into our streams.

How do I find out what BMPs have been implemented and what BMPs will be implemented in the future?

The City’s SWMP is available online. The City produces an annual report, which is due to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) on November 10th each year. These annual reports outline the status of BMP implementation and describe what BMPs are anticipated for the next reporting cycle. The City’s annual reports are available on the Stormwater web page.

What Challenges Does the City Face in Managing Stormwater?

Managing stormwater isn’t always easy. Some of the main challenges include:

• Too much pavement and not enough green space, which means more runoff and less water soaking into the ground.
• Keeping pollution out of the storm drains, since water picks up trash, oil, and chemicals as it flows over streets and parking lots.
• Preventing flooding during heavy rain events when the drainage system can get overwhelmed.
• Maintaining infrastructure, like storm pipes, ditches, and inlets, which need regular cleaning and repairs.
• Balancing growth and development while protecting creeks, rivers, and water quality.

That’s why the City works to educate the public, enforce stormwater regulations, and invest in better drainage infrastructure.

What is the City Doing to Minimize the Impact of Stormwater?

The City of Bryan carries out several important measures to address stormwater challenges:

• Inspection and Prevention: City staff regularly inspect construction sites to ensure proper controls are in place to minimize runoff.
• Planning and Engineering: City engineers review design and construction plans to evaluate their impact on stormwater.
• Infrastructure Construction and Maintenance: Engineers and maintenance crews work to build new stormwater systems and maintain existing infrastructure.

What is a Stormwater Management Program (SWMP)?

A SWMP is a plan that outlines how a city will reduce stormwater pollution. A SWMP consists of Best Management Practices that are grouped into six categories.

• Public Education and Outreach
• Public Participation and Involvement
• Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
• Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control
• Post Construction Stormwater Management
• Pollution Prevention / Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations

Why did the City of Bryan develop a SWMP?

The City of Bryan developed a Stormwater Management Program (SWMP) to comply with State and Federal regulations and improve the quality of life in our city. The City’s SWMP contains activities or Best Management Practices (BMPs) to reduce the amount of pollution in the stormwater that runs off into our streams.

How do I find out what BMPs have been implemented and what BMPs will be implemented in the future?

The City’s SWMP is available online. The City produces an annual report, which is due to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) on November 10th each year. These annual reports outline the status of BMP implementation and describe what BMPs are anticipated for the next reporting cycle. The City’s annual reports are available on the Stormwater web page.

What is Impervious Cover and Why Does It Matter?

Impervious cover includes surfaces that don’t let water soak in—like pavement, rooftops, and driveways. When it rains, water can’t absorb into the ground and instead runs off quickly, flowing over these surfaces and straight into the storm drain system. This can lead to:

• Increased flooding – because storm drains can get overwhelmed by the volume of runoff.
• More erosion – as fast-moving water wears down stream banks and channels.
• Water pollution – runoff picks up oil, trash, chemicals, and debris from streets and carries them directly to local creeks and rivers.
• Reduced groundwater recharge – since water can’t soak into the ground, less makes its way into underground aquifers.

In short, the more impervious cover in an area, the greater the strain on the drainage system.

What types of pollution are found in stormwater?

A: Some of the most common contaminants that are found in stormwater are listed below.  For more information see About Stormwater.

• Sediment from eroded soil and construction sites
• Excess nutrients from lawn fertilizers
• Excess organic matter from leaf and grass clippings
• Bacteria and disease causing organisms from pet waste or raw, untreated sewage
• Debris /Trash such as plastic bags, cans, bottles, and cigarette butts
• Household chemicals like insecticides, pesticides, paint, solvents, used motor oil, and other auto fluids
• Metal particles deposited on roadways from automobiles

Are sewers and storm drains the same thing?

No. They are two completely separate drainage systems. Effluent in the sewer system receives extensive and thorough filtration prior to being discharged. The storm drain system on the other hand, receives no filtration whatsoever, and discharges directly into the local creeks untreated.

Where does my stormwater go?

Stormwater runoff from Bryan flows to one of the following creeks:

• Briar Creek
• Burton Creek
• Carter’s Creek
• Cottonwood Creek
• Still Creek
• Thompson’s Creek
• Turkey Creek

If it only affects streams and creeks, why should I care?

Streams and creeks feed into rivers, lakes and eventually the ocean. We all drink water, so we are all affected when our water is polluted. When water treatment costs rise, the price of drinking water goes up. If you like to fish, swim or boat, you may have heard or been affected by advisories warning you not to swim, fish or boat in a certain area because of unhealthy water or too much algae. Shellfish like clams, oysters, and shrimp cannot be harvested from polluted waters, so anyone that enjoys these foods or makes a living from the shellfish industry is affected. Money made from tourism and water recreation can also be impacted, as are businesses and home flooded by stormwater runoff. When we pollute our water, everyone is affected!

Why doesn’t the City build a stormwater treatment facility?

Such a facility would be extremely costly to build and maintain. And, the massive amount of water coming through the facility during a rainstorm would easily overtax the system.

Can I dispose of used motor oil on the ground or in the garbage?

NEVER dispose used motor oil on the ground; in a ditch, creek, river, or lake; in a storm drain; or in the garbage.  It’s against the law.  Texas law prohibits dumping used oil on land or into sewers or waterways.  Texas has also banned used oil filters from being placed in or accepted for disposal in a landfill. Just one improperly disposed oil change can contaminate up to one million gallons of fresh water. Even small amounts can pollute large areas and threaten aquatic life.

Where can I take my used motor oil?

The City encourages citizens to take their used motor oil to the Municipal Services Center (1111 Waco Street) or to any local auto maintenance shop in Bryan. These auto shops are conveniently located and will take the used oil free of charge.  Quantities of less than five gallons from non-commercial users will be accepted at any auto service shop. For the location of a used oil/used oil filter collection center near you, call 1-800-CLEANUP, or visit Earth911.org to search for recycling locations by Zip Code.

What are Household Hazardous Chemicals?

Many common household chemicals are dangerous to our kids, pets, and the environment.  These materials may pollute our waterways if washed or dumped into storm drains or roadside ditches that lead directly to our streams and lakes.  Household cleaners, pesticides, gasoline, antifreeze, used motor oil, and other hazardous products should to be labeled, stored, and disposed of properly.

Where can I dispose of Household Hazardous Chemicals?

The City provides free disposal of household hazardous chemicals to its residents. See the Household Chemical Disposal web page for disposal procedures or Bryan’s Environmental Services Department web page for safer alternatives.

Is it okay to let things like leaves and grass clippings wash into the storm drain?

No, natural items like leaves and grass clippings should not go in the storm drain.

Even though they’re natural, they can clog the drainage system and contribute to water pollution. When organic materials break down in waterways, they can use up oxygen that fish and other aquatic life need to survive. Instead, compost them or bag them for proper disposal.

Who do I call if I see anyone illegally dumping into the storm drain?

Call the City of Bryan’s Stormwater Hotline at (979) 209-5900 to submit an anonymous report if you observe any of the following:

• Illegal dumping of trash and debris along roadways or in creeks
• Leaking automobiles
• Concrete dumped in the street or storm drain
• Paint dumped in storm drain
• Motor oil dumped in storm drain
• Sediment runoff from construction sites
• Yard clippings blown or swept into storm drains
• Sewage or septic tank leaks

What is a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)?

The regulatory definition of an MS4 (40 CFR 122.26(b)(8)) is “a conveyance or system of conveyances (including roads with drainage systems, municipal streets, catch basins, curbs, gutters, ditches, man-made channels, or storm drains): (i) Owned or operated by a state, city, town, borough, county, parish, district, association, or other public body (created to or pursuant to state law) including special districts under state law such as a sewer district, flood control district or drainage district, or similar entity, or an Indian tribe or an authorized Indian tribal organization, or a designated and approved management agency under section 208 of the Clean Water Act that discharges into waters of the United States. (ii) Designed or used for collecting or conveying stormwater; (iii) Which is not a combined sewer; and (iv) Which is not part of a Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW) as defined at 40 CFR 122.2.”

In practical terms, operators of MS4s can include municipalities and local sewer districts, state and federal departments of transportation, public universities, public hospitals, military bases, and correctional facilities. The Stormwater Phase II Rule added federal systems, such as military bases and correctional facilities by including them in the definition of small MS4s.