Stormwater Management

Stormwater is the surface runoff of rain and snow melt. Wentzville receives roughly 37 inches of rain annually, creating several billion gallons of stormwater runoff per year. The volume and speed of the runoff can cause flooding and erosion, destroy natural habitat, and damage property.

In addition, rain and snow washes over roofs, streets, driveways, sidewalks, parking lots, and land surfaces. It can pick up a variety of pollutants, such as oil, pesticides, metals, chemicals, and soil. This polluted stormwater drains into the storm system that eventually discharges into our rivers and streams. The pollutants can endanger the water quality of our waterways, making them unhealthy for people, fish, and wildlife.

How does the City handle stormwater?

The City's storm water system is called a "Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)," meaning that it is separate from the sanitary sewer system. A variety of natural and artificial structures and land forms are considered part of the MS4: inlets, pipes, grass and concrete channels, berms, ditches, box culverts, detention basins, and even streams. To reduce flooding and safety issues, storm water travels through the storm sewer system and into nearby streams, rivers and lakes.

• City Stormwater Project List

Why is Stormwater Management important?

Urbanization can increase the quantity and decrease the quality of runoff. Historically, cities have focused storm water management programs on reducing the effects of flooding. In recent years, however, the focus has shifted to also include water quality degradation. Good storm water management benefits City property owners by reducing property damage and increasing the quality of receiving streams.

Have a stormwater problem?