Show All Answers

1. What is stormwater runoff?

Impervious surfaces are areas covered by buildings, asphalt, concrete, or other materials that prevent water from seeping directly into the ground.  When it rains, much of the water flows to streams and lakes, becoming stormwater runoff.  

The more buildings, streets, and parking lots we build, the more surface stormwater runoff is generated during each rainstorm.

2. What problems are caused by stormwater pollution?

1. Pollution - As stormwater runs-off of ’impervious’ surfaces (e.g. building/house rooftops, streets, parking lots, and driveways) it picks up contaminants and debris such as oil, grease, fertilizers, pesticides, litter, leaves and grass clippings. This stormwater runs through the miles of ditches and underground pipes that all lead to our lakes, streams and wetlands.  There it deposits the pollution that eventually will make its way to the underground aquifer, where our drinking water comes from. We need better pollution control and stormwater treatment to reduce this contamination.
   
   
2. Runoff - Heavy rains cause flooding in some areas of Davie.  The combination of flat terrain and limited natural or man-made stormwater drainage systems results in flooded streets, yards, and occasionally a home or business.  The Town is working hard to solve these problems but there are areas yet to be addressed.

3. How can stormwater pollution be prevented?

Best Management Practices

Ways that we can help clean up stormwater runoff is to direct it through stormwater ponds, treatment wetlands, and other types of systems knows as Best Management Practices (BMPs).  Pollutants may either settle out, be filtered through the pond bottom, or be taken up by the wetland plants that surround these ponds. 

Pollution Control Devices

Additionally, stormwater runoff can be enhanced by retrofitting existing stormwater structures with devices that act as filters to stop trash, leaves, sediment, and debris from entering our water bodies.  

For example, a curb inlet basket can be installed in existing stormwater inlets.  One basket can collect over 200 pounds of leaves, sediment, and trash every year!

4. Are sewer drains and storm drains the same thing?

Storm drains and sewers are words often used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. A storm drain usually is constructed as part of a curb to catch excess water runoff from roads to prevent flooding. The storm drain is part of a drainage system that carries that water, untreated, to a nearby source of water.

A sewer, on the other hand, carries sewage from homes and businesses that comes from kitchens, bathrooms, or washing machines. Some water in the sewage system might also come from rain that drains through manhole covers. The sewage carried through a sewer system does get treated at a treatment facility to limit water pollution as much as possible.

5. My yard keeps flooding after storms. How do I stop stormwater runoff in my lawn?

There are a few ways you can control stormwater runoff on your lawn. A professional landscaper trained in stormwater management can help you find the best methods of management for the layout and slope of your yard.

A few ways stormwater can be managed in a yard to prevent flooding that can damage gardens, homes, and more, include:

• Rain gardens, particularly on slopes where water rushes down into other parts of the yard, sidewalks, or roads
• A drain system that catches water runoff and treats it underneath the ground
• Hardscaping elements designed to strategically re-route the water and reduce erosion, like stone walls and permeable walkways
• Dry or wet ponds to catch and hold water runoff
• Use mulch or compost in your garden to help prevent soil erosion.

6. Who maintains canals throughout the Town?

Most canals are maintained by the Central Broward Water Control District (CBWCD). To learn more, call 954-432-5110.

7. What department oversees property slopes and elevation in regard to stormwater issues?

The Town of Davie Engineering Department. They can be reached at 954-797-1113.