Water Quality

The Health Department monitors dry weather discharges from the stormwater drainage system in the city as part of the City-wide Storm Water Management Program (SWMP) developed in compliance with the Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES).

Please report any unusual colors, odors or other creek and pond water quality concerns immediately to 972-744-4111. Non-urgent general water quality concerns and comments can be forwarded to Health Department staff via the Report an Issue Online application or by calling us during normal business hours at 972-744-4080. Please be prepared to leave us a telephone number as the investigator may need to contact you for details. Privacy rules apply and you can remain anonymous but PLEASE provide a means to contact you for more information if needed.

We respond to hazardous materials spills in conjunction with the Richardson Fire Department personnel and Street Maintenance crews to prevent contaminants from entering the drainage ways that lead to water resources. We also provide watershed protection education to businesses, visitors and residents. Water quality education programs are provided at various outreach events, to local schools and interested civic groups. Please use the non-urgent link above to request a speaker or call us.

Nonpoint Source Pollution
Unfortunately, pollutants enter our waters every day from many sources. Unlike a point source, such as a discharge pipe from a factory, nonpoint source pollution (NPS) comes from many diverse sources and is much more difficult to control. NPS pollutants are carried off the land by stormwater runoff, wind and irrigation. Each one of us, whether we know it or not, can contribute to nonpoint source pollution through common activities such as fertilizing the lawn, walking pets, changing motor oil, and littering. With each rainfall, pollutants generated by these and other activities are washed into the storm drains that flow directly into our creeks, streams, and lakes. For more information:
 

Summer Water Safety
As the summer heats up and rainfall decreases, so does water levels in lakes, streams and ponds. As the water levels decrease, naturally occurring microorganisms and parasites may concentrate in the water. Here are some tips to help you and your family avoid illness when you are in and around the water:

• Do not swim in stagnant lakes or ponds.
• Wash hands thoroughly with clean, potable water after swimming, boating or playing in or around streams, lakes or ponds, particularly before eating, preparing or serving food.
• Do not drink untreated water from a stream or lake. Even the clearest most refreshing looking water can contain bacteria and parasites that may cause intestinal illnesses.
• Avoid jumping or diving into the water in a manner that forces water into the nostrils.

About "Texas SmartScapeTM"
The site offers Water Conservation and Landscaping information for North Texas. Texas SmartScape utilizes xeriscaping principles (a method of landscaping that promotes water conservation), but goes beyond the basics by providing design, care, and plant search tools that are "smart" for North Central Texas. Texas SmartScape Website

Stormwater (Video)
North Texas Grease Abatement Council "Cease the Grease" Information
EPA NPDES Information
TCEQ Municipal Seperate Storm Sewer System Permitting Information