Stormwater Quality

The City of Fort Worth's Stormwater Ordinance prohibits illicit discharges to the municipal separate storm sewer system (storm drain), provides for the regulation of mobile commercial cosmetic cleaning (power washers), and regulates stormwater discharges from industrial sources including construction activity. The City of Fort Worth is authorized to inspect and enforce permit regulations for activities that result in discharges to the stormwater system. The EPA lists the City's ordinance as a model real-life example ordinance.

The City of Fort Worth operates under a Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit granted by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). The permit is held in conjunction with the Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD). An annual report of activities conducted for this permit is submitted to the TCEQ.

View the most recent report(PDF, 9MB)

A Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP) is submitted to TCEQ as part of the TPDES permit renewal process. This is a "living" document and is revised yearly by all permittees.

TCEQ Notice of Receipt of Application and Intent (NORI) to Obtain a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit Amendment - Permit No. WQ0004350000

The City of Fort Worth (CFW) and Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD) have applied to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to amend Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES) Permit No. WQ0004350000 (EPA I.D. No TXS000901) to authorize the removal of the phenal test in the dry weather field screening monitoring program and renew the discharges from the municipal separate storm sewer system located within the corporate boundary of the City of Fort Worth, except agricultural lands, in Tarrant, Denton, Johnson, Parker and Wise Counties, Texas. The discharge route is from the municipal separate storm sewer system to surface water in the state. TCEQ received this application on Aug. 30, 2022. The permit application is available for viewing and copying at the Fort Worth City Hall Annex, 908 Monroe Street, Fort Worth, Texas.

See NORI Permit Amendment Application below. Available in alternative languages.

Environmental Quality Division is available to answer questions regarding the proper drainage of residential swimming pools and spas. For more information on pools, spas and stormwater pollution prevention, or to report illegal discharges, contact our offices at 817-392-1234.

Download guidelines(PDF, 11MB)

Remember to use good practices when tending to your yard. Blowing or leaving grass clippings and other debris in the street during yard maintenance not only looks bad, it is bad for the environment and could lead to fines to you or your lawn care company. Stormwater drain issues: Grass clippings, leaves, and other debris, like litter, can clog the City’s stormwater drain system, also known as Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4). Grass clippings and debris can collect at various points impeding rain and stormwater flow, potentially causing backups and flooding in streets, sidewalks, properties, and even into your home. This can be costly – and smelly.

Proper maintenance can go a long way. If you or your lawn care company uses side-discharging mowers, leaf blowers, or edgers for maintenance, please follow these recommendations or remind your crew NOT to blow grass clippings or leaves onto the street or down storm drain inlets. 

• Sweep, collect and bag clippings/leaves. Place them in paper yard bags or yard carts and set it out for curbside, yard waste collection.
• Blow your grass clippings back onto the lawn where it can act as a mulch and natural fertilizer. Keeping grass clippings on your yard can also help to retain moisture in your lawn reducing the need for frequent watering.
• Rake or blow grass clippings and leaves into a compost pile for use in your garden and flower beds.

Avoid a fee. According to City of Fort Worth Ordinance § 12.5-302, a person commits an offense if they introduce or cause to be introduced any discharge into the MS4 that is not composed entirely of stormwater. This includes grass clippings, leaves, trimmings, litter, or any other debris that is not stormwater, and could lead to fines.

See a violation? Report it and other issues direct from your mobile device using the MyFW App or call the City Call Center at 817-392-1234.