Managing Our Stormwater

Watershed Protection | Onsite Disposal Systems | Urban Development | Roads, Highways, & Bridges Protecting Water Quality on the Coast Coastal areas contain some of the country’s largest centers of population and economic activity. While significant population growth and development along the Gulf Coast has brought economic opportunity, it has also created new challenges for sustainable coastal resource management. Urban development, and the associated increase in hard, impervious surfaces, often has the unintended consequence of simultaneously increasing the volume and decreasing the quality of stormwater runoff that makes its way into our coastal waters. However, when development is designed using strategies found throughout this website, it is possible to both reduce the amount of stormwater exiting a site and improve its quality. Whether you are a an elected official, there is a role for you to play in protecting water quality along the Texas Coast! The following guidance and best management practices can be applied to new and existing developments to protect the ecosystems and natural resources that support a thriving Gulf Coast economy. Residential Guidance Check out the resources below for more information about the Texas Coastal Zone and what you can do at home to improve the water quality of our region. Coastal Watershed Protection Everyone lives in a watershed – an area of land that drains to a single body of water, such as a creek, a river, or a lake. However, watersheds are more than just drainage areas in and around our communities. Coastal Urban Development As the Texas Coastal Zone continues to grow and thrive, careful development that incorporates water quality protection will ensure a beautiful coast for generations of Texans to enjoy. Coastal Onsite Disposal Systems Down the drain...and then what? When you flush, do you know where it goes? Our communities and their wastewater have an impact on local waterways. Coastal Bridges When it rains, runoff from bridges in the Texas Coastal Zone can carry contaminants such as roadway debris into our coastal waterways. Coastal Residential Resources Looking for ways to get involved as a resident? Look no further! Explore a variety of residential resources to help local communities reduce the impact of stormwater runoff and manage water usage from their properties. Technical Guidance Coastal Watershed Protection Find sustainable practices that can guide development and land use activities to reduce the effects of nonpoint source pollution. Coastal Urban Development Find resources to assist site developments in managing stormwater runoff and improving water quality. Coastal Roads, Highways and Bridges Explore various strategies to reduce runoff pollution both during and after bridge construction. Coastal Technical Resources Learn about our coast and how to protect it! From technical guidance to guides and manuals - we've compiled much of what you need to know in one easy location. architect plans