Stormwater Runoff
Stormwater runoff is rain that runs through our yards, streets and parking lots, picking up pollutants along the way. The runoff then enters our storm sewer system, which flows directly into our major water bodies.
Only Rain Down the Drain
Pinellas County code prohibits pollutants from entering surface waters, the drainage system or roads leading to storm drains. Additionally, no connection can be made to the storm sewer without proper permits.
Pollutants include yard debris, oil or other automotive fluids, sediment, gravel, masonry materials, paint or any other chemical.
Exemptions include discharges from potable water sources, firefighting activities and non-chlorinated pool discharges.
Specifics are covered in the Pinellas County Code of Ordinances, Article VI, Stormwater and Surface Water Pollution, Section 58.
Report to Pinellas County Environmental Management
Pinellas County law prohibits the dumping of any waste, including chemicals, oil, sewage, trash and yard waste, into the County storm drainage system.
For more information on what you can do to keep our waterways clean, or to report a prohibited connection, call the Environmental Management Hotline at (727) 464-4425 or email watershed@pinellas.gov.
You Can Make a Difference!
You can help by marking your storm drains, educating your community and by participating in clean-up events. Request materials for your community storm drains and bilingual door hangers (English/Spanish) to share with your neighbors, by emailing watershed@pinellas.gov or visiting our storm drain marking hub.
Twice a year, Pinellas County partners with Keep Pinellas Beautiful and other local sponsors for our Cross Bayou & Joe’s Creek Waterways Cleanup. Volunteers paddle out to essential mangrove islands collecting over 2,000 pounds of trash. Follow our Pinellas County Environmental News Facebook page to register and make a difference by keeping our community clean.
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