Show All Answers

1. What is stormwater runoff?

Stormwater runoff is water from rain or snowmelt that cannot be absorbed by the soil and instead washes off roofs, driveways, sidewalks, and other surfaces that do not filter into the ground.

2. What is polluted stormwater runoff?

When stormwater flows over surfaces, it picks up and carries pollutants from those surfaces becoming polluted. Typical pollutants in stormwater runoff include oil, sediment, pesticides, fertilizers, yard waste, and pet waste.

3. Can leaves and grass go into the storm drain?

No.  Even though leaves and grass are natural and biodegradable, these organic materials consume oxygen when they decompose and remove dissolved oxygen from the water.  Fish and other aquatic organisms require oxygen and will die without it.

4. What causes stormwater pollution?

Everyday activities we do around our homes, yards, and businesses impact the quality of our stormwater.  Some examples include over fertilizing our yards or doing so before a significant rain event, not picking up pet waste, and use of pesticides.  Cars leaking oil or fluids from vehicles, grass, leaves, and other yard debris are other forms of common stormwater pollutants.

5. Why do we need to manage stormwater runoff?

Managing our stormwater helps to improve the quality and reduce the amount of polluted stormwater.  Unlike the sanitary sewer water system, stormwater does not receive any treatment before it enters our waterways. Stormwater runoff then carries the pollutants directly to our streams and rivers adversely affecting wildlife, human health, and safety.  Also, water that falls on hard surfaces and does not filter into the ground runs off to lower areas, with the excess potentially causing local flooding and erosion.

6. How can I help prevent stormwater pollution?

Create natural areas on your property to help reduce the quantity of stormwater runoff.  When working in your yard or around your home, make sure you dispose of products correctly. Never dump or dispose of items into the storm drains, pick up after your pets, keep yard waste (grass clippings, leaves, etc.) out of the street and minimize the use of pesticides and fertilizers.

7. What is an illicit discharge?

An illicit discharge is any discharge to the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) that is not composed entirely of stormwater.  These types of discharges may occur due to direct dumping of waste (paint, oils, grass clippings, and trash) into a storm drain or placement of waste so that it enters a storm drain system is also a form of illicit discharge.

8. Doesn’t stormwater runoff go into the sanitary sewer?

No. Only sewage from your household drains are transported to the sanitary sewer system.  Stormwater flows through the storm sewer system, and ditches.  It empties into our streams, ponds, and creeks.  It would be too expensive to treat stormwater the same as we treat sanitary sewage.  The amount of sewage generated from our homes and businesses every day is small compared to the amount of stormwater runoff we receive during a rain event.

9. What is an impervious surface area?

An impervious surface area is any surface that does not readily absorb water and blocks the natural infiltration of water into the soil.  Common examples of this include roofs, driveways, parking areas, sidewalks, patios, decks, tennis courts, concrete or asphalt streets, crushed stone, and gravel surfaces.

10. Are there any ways I can make a difference?

Yes

As a resident of the City of Bixby, here are a few ways you can help keep our water resources clean and beautiful.

In your yard

• Avoid applying fertilizer just before a storm. Fertilizer needs a day or two to sit; otherwise, it will only wash away into a storm drain where it negatively impacts the quality and the environment.  Follow the directions on the label and apply only the amount indicated for your lawn size.
• Never use motor oil, gasoline, or kerosene to kill weeds and insects.  These substances will eventually end up in our water.
• Use pesticides as a last resort and try less toxic alternatives.  Some insects are a good thing.
• Plant native plants.  Plants that require less water and maintenance to thrive in our Oklahoma climate.
• Use a cycle and soak method when watering your lawn, adding time between watering cycles allows the water to soak into the soil versus running off.
• Bag and dispose of your pet’s waste in a garbage can. Pet waste that remains on the lawn contains harmful bacteria that can wash into our waterways and ultimately into our water resources.  Pet waste is not a good fertilizer for your lawn.
• Sweep and collect your yard trimmings into a large bag and place it in your trash cart for regularly scheduled pickup days.  Never wash your yard trimmings into the street or storm drain.  Cleaning storm drains adjacent to your property to help prevent localized flooding.

Maintaining your Car

• Avoid washing your car in the driveway; it allows soapy water, oil, dirt, and grime to enter our stormwater. 
• Consider taking it to a car wash facility where water is recycled and eventually sent to the sanitary sewer system for treatment.
• Repair your vehicle leaks as soon as you notice them preventing the negative impact that car fluids can have on our environment.
• Dispose or recycle your used motor oil, oil filters, and antifreeze at an auto service facility where these items are collected.
• Recycle car batteries at designated facilities, which include most auto service centers where these items are sold.  Be aware that there may be a fee for the service.
• Store any automotive parts in an area protected from the rain.  This keeps remnants of oil and grease away from the ground and out of our storm drains.

11. What should I do if I see or suspect an illicit discharge?

Call the public works department at 918.366.4430 or report a problem online.

12. Whom do I contact if I have further questions?

We would like any feedback, questions or comments you may have. Feel free to contact Public Works Director, Bea Aamodt.