The El Paso County Stormwater Team, part of the Department of Public Works Engineering Division, works to keep our county’s waterways clean and healthy. The team protects and maintains stormwater systems that manage runoff from rain, snowmelt, and community usage, helping prevent pollution and flooding.
Managing Stormwater Quality
Our El Paso County stormwater system is a combination of curb and gutter, inlets, ditches, and ponds that release water directly into our natural waterways. When it rains or snows, runoff may wash and carry pollutants such as trash, sediment, oils, antifreeze, heavy metals, bacteria, and fertilizers from sidewalks, streets, and parking lots, discharging them directly into our creeks and rivers. Stormwater pollution may pose an adverse toxic effect on aquatic life, plants, animals, and people. It is also important to note that, unlike sanitary sewer systems, our stormwater system does not enter a wastewater treatment plant to be treated.
Work includes monitoring construction sites to keep pollutants from leaving the area, detecting and stopping illegal discharges into the stormwater system, and ensuring both public and private stormwater facilities are properly maintained. The team also helps manage the county’s stormwater infrastructure.
In addition to maintenance and regulation, the Stormwater Team leads education and outreach programs to encourage residents and businesses to care for local watersheds and use water responsibly. Through partnerships with neighboring communities and innovative water management practices, the team continues to lead in protecting Southern Colorado’s stormwater resources.
Please help El Paso County prevent water pollution and help keep our waterways clean by reporting any pollution entering our storm drains or waterways.
To report an illicit discharge, please contact the Stormwater Team.
Learn More about Stormwater in El Paso County
