Stormwater Management
Overview
Did you know that MS4 stands for “municipal separate storm sewer system”?
The City of Nixa manages an MS4 which guides rainfall (a.k.a. stormwater) to local streams, rivers, lakes, and the aquifer which is the source of our drinking water.
MS4 management includes efforts to reduce pollution of stormwater in order to protect our drinking water and the environment.
We protect the water in our environment because we don’t want to kill fish and other wildlife. Also, we swim in and go fishing in our rivers and lakes; we need to keep the water safe.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) requires the city to renew its permit every 3 years to continue operating our MS4.
The City of Nixa stormwater drainage system includes a combination of storm sewer pipe, open ditches, culverts and detention areas directly related to roadways and conveyance areas. Though not all stormwater drainage areas are controlled by the City of Nixa, city crews are equipped to maintain a multitude of stormwater situations including the construction of new systems along roadways.
Help Reduce Water Pollution
Residents need to be aware that anything that goes into the stormwater drains goes directly into the James River and other natural water sources. Please don’t dump oil, household chemicals, and trash into the drains as they can contaminate our ground water supply.
If you see anyone dumping contaminants into storm drains or an area on the ground where stormwater could carry the contaminants downstream, please report it immediately.
How does pressure washing impact our local waterways?
Water collected by storm drains flows unfiltered and directly into our local waterways. Wastewater from pressure washing can contain contaminants which can harm our local waters.
Ask yourself, would you want your children swimming in the dirty water resulting from your pressure washing? Don’t allow contaminants to enter the stormwater drainage system which leads to the streams and rivers where people swim and fish.
Best Management Practices for Pressure Washing:
- Planning: Determine where you will discharge wastewater before starting.
- Surface Pre-Cleaning: Consider using dry methods for surface pre-cleaning. When using dry pre-cleaning methods, be sure to pick up cleaning debris as soon as possible, so the materials do not have a chance to enter the storm drains.
- Pressure Washing: Minimize the amount of water used during pressure washing activities, thus reducing the volume of wastewater which needs to be properly disposed of.
- Wash Water Containment & Collection: Collect wastewater in a permanent or temporary capture facility.
- Cleaners: Avoid using solvent-based cleaners. Use eco-friendly soaps if possible.
Learn more by downloading our pressure washing manual.
