Stormwater and Flood Management

What Is Stormwater?

Stormwater is any precipitation—such as rain, sleet, or snow — that falls to the ground and flows over surfaces instead of soaking into the soil.

The stormwater system, whether natural (like creeks) or manmade (like storm drains and pipes), gathers this runoff and carries it to local drainage basins such as Three-Mile Creek, Five-Mile Creek, and the Missouri River.

Why It Matters:

Stormwater refers to rainwater or melted snow that does not soak into the ground. Instead, it flows over surfaces like roads, sidewalks, parking lots, and rooftops—known as impervious surfaces—and enters storm drains or nearby water bodies. Stormwater can pick up pollutants like oil, trash, fertilizers, and pet waste as it runs off driveways, sidewalks, and streets. Since it doesn’t go to a treatment plant, those pollutants flow directly into the environment, affecting water quality and public health.

Flood Prevention: Stormwater systems help prevent streets, homes, and businesses from flooding during heavy rain.
Water Quality: As stormwater flows over surfaces, it picks up pollutants like oil, trash, fertilizers, and pet waste, which can pollute rivers, lakes, and oceans.
Infrastructure: Cities manage stormwater through infrastructure like:
- Storm drains
- Retention/detention ponds
- Green infrastructure (rain gardens, bioswales, permeable pavement)

What the City Does:

The City of Leavenworth Public Works Department is responsible for:

Maintaining storm drains, inlets, and culverts
Inspecting and improving stormwater infrastructure
Complying with EPA Phase II stormwater regulations
Educating the public about stormwater pollution prevention

What You Can Do:

Don’t dump anything into storm drains
Pick up after pets
Use lawn chemicals sparingly
Dispose of oil, paint, and chemicals properly

Stormwater Management Goals:

Reduce runoff volume
Improve water quality
Protect aquatic habitats
Comply with environmental regulations (like the Clean Water Act in the U.S.)