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Now that the leaves are falling and we are actually getting some rain, it is time to think about how we, as residents of the Ranch at Cypress Creek, can ensure our waterways stay clean, healthy and pollutant free. We need to understand how to control our storm water runoff. Stormwater comes from the precipitation that flows across the ground or pavement when it rains. The water flows into our storm drains; these are the drains that you see at street corners or low points on the sides of your streets.

Up to 70% of the pollution in our streams and waterways is carried there by storm water and about half of the pollution that storm water carries comes from things we do in our yards and gardens. Stormwater is not treated before being discharged into our surrounding water bodies.

You can help protect our water by understanding how you may be contributing and how you can help prevent pollution.

  • Do not blow leaves or grass clippings off your property into the street. This debris can clog culverts and storm water drains causing flooding. Piles of leaves and grass clippings will overload a stream’s ability to process leaf litter, causing nutrient pollution and oxygen depletion.
  • Properly dispose of harmful chemicals such as motor oil, antifreeze, pesticides, and herbicides. Chemicals can harm fish and other aquatic wildlife, kill native vegetation, and destroy aquatic habitats.

The M.U.D. is working hard to communicate stormwater pollution prevention. They have placed stickers on all the neighborhood storm drains to educate the public about where the water on their streets drains to.
Learn more about the M.U.D.’s storm water program here.

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