Stormwater is rainwater or melted snow that runs off streets, buildings, lawns, and other sites. As part of the City’s floodplain management program, these surface flows are managed through the regulation of activities that generate stormwater runoff including projects that alter the natural flow of water or increase the amount of stormwater runoff.
Impervious surfaces such as concreate, asphalt, and roofs increase runoff by preventing precipitation from naturally soaking into the ground. Instead surface water runs quickly into storm drains, sewer systems, and drainage ditches and can cause:
- Downstream flooding
- Stream bank erosion
- Increased turbidity (muddiness created by stirred up sediment) from erosion
- Habitat destruction
- Combined storm and sanitary sewer system overflows
- Infrastructure damage
- Contaminated streams, rivers, lakes, and coastal waters
Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System
The City of Ocoee has an extensive Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) that collects, conveys, stores, treats, and discharges stormwater. Green Infrastructure and Best Management Practices are at the core or Ocoee’s MS4 to protect the community and the environment and to mitigate flooding and reduce water quality degradation. The City’s Stormwater Department is responsible for the routine and emergency maintenance of public stormwater facilities including:
- ·Administration of the National Pollution Discharge and Elimination System (NPDES)
- Inspection and Maintenance of ditch systems, storm drains, and public stormwater ponds
- Inspection of public and private stormwater ponds
- Monitoring lake levels and water quality
- Planning and managing stormwater projects
- Street and right-of-way flooding
Unity Park
The City of Ocoee is dotted with many beautiful lakes and ponds, but check out what sets Unity Park apart from the rest! As part of the City’s Multiple Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) and Floodplain Management Program, Unity Park is the first of its kind here in Ocoee acting not only as a beautiful and scenic park to visit and enjoy, but also as a means to naturally treat and store stormwater runoff.