The Storm Water Division provides maintenance for the city’s storm drainage system, which includes bridges, inlet cleaning, ditch grading & cleaning. The department also maintains drainage for streets and right-of-way, mowing right-of-ways, drainage channels, and detention ponds.

The division maintains approximately 80 miles of curbs and gutters within the Gainesville City limits.

Goals

• Improve the quality of service to Gainesville Citizens through a concern for customers’ satisfaction.
• Focus on quality and commitment to continuous improvement.

Objectives

• Maintain curbs, gutters, and streets by street sweeping
• Maintain and clear dirt and debris from drainage channels as needed to allow water to flow unrestricted
• Sweep all city maintained streets at least four times annually
• Clear debris from road and bridge crossings
• Clean inlets

Street Sweeping

The Street Sweeping program provides a high level of service throughout the City in support of community cleanups, civic functions, and dedicated service to the most highly traveled corridors within the City. The street sweeping program sweeps over 80 miles of roadway each year and every street is covered at least four times per year. Streets are also swept for special events and through requests from residents.

Leaf Disposal

Incorrect leaf disposal can result in flooding.

• Don’t blow leaves into the gutter or street
• Don’t dump leaves into drainage ditches

When you sweep leaves and yard debris into the street, eventually the debris will collect in the storm drain. During heavy rains, clogged storm drains and bar ditches can cause flooding. 

There are two alternatives to dispose of your leaves:

• Mulching is an easy and beneficial way to deal with leaves. Just mow and leave on your lawn.
• Composting – For information on composting call the Solid Waste Division @ 940-668-4551.

12 Tips to Prevent Storm Water Pollution

• Remember to turn off your sprinklers when it rains to avoid excess water runoff.  No matter how much you water it, concrete will not bloom!  Prevent runoff and save the water for your plants!

• Don’t apply pesticides, fertilizers and herbicides before it rains. Contrary to popular belief, the rain won’t help to soak these chemicals into the ground; it will only help create polluted runoff into our local creeks.

• Select native and adapted plants and grasses that are drought and pest resistant.  Native plants require less water, fertilizer, and pesticides. You can learn more about native and adapted plants on the Texas SmartScape Website.

• Reduce the amount of paved area and increase the amount of vegetated area in your yard. Vegetation can help act as a natural filter for polluted storm water runoff.

• Bag your pet’s waste – don’t just leave it there. Leaving pet waste on the ground increases public health risks by allowing harmful bacteria to wash into the storm drains and into local waterways.

• If you change your car’s oil, NEVER dump it on the ground or in the storm drains; check with your local Auto Parts Store for a disposal location.

• Check your car, boat, or motorcycle for leaks.  Clean up spilled fluids with an absorbent material; don’t rinse the spills into the storm drain.

• Don’t dispose of grass clippings and other yard waste by dumping it or sweeping it into the storm drain system or creeks; this will cause depleted oxygen for aquatic life.  Instead, try composting your yard waste. (*This item is enforced by city ordinance*)

• When washing your car at home, wash with only water or use biodegradable soap and wash it on a lawn or other unpaved surface; better yet, take your car to a car wash. Did you know that a car wash actually uses less water on average than you do washing it in the driveway?

• Don’t get rid of old or unused paint by throwing it down the storm drains; dispose of paint and other household hazardous waste at recycling facilities.

• Don’t pump your pool water into the storm drain – pool chemicals (like chlorine), can be hazardous to our creek habitats and wildlife.  Instead, drain your pool into the sanitary sewer system where it can be treated. (*This item is enforced by city ordinance*)
  
  

For questions or to report any problems with storm drains please call the Public Services Department at 940-668-4540 or 940-668-4541.