The City’s Stormwater Division maintains and repairs all of the City owned storm drains, road side swales, ditches, retention ponds and beach outfalls. Stormwater personnel keep drainage pipes cleaned and free from obstructions, as well as repair damaged pipes and structures. Maintenance of the swales, ponds and ditches includes mowing, re-grading and removing overgrown vegetation and sediment build up. Stormwater outfalls that discharge onto the beach within the City limits are continually inspected and maintained to keep them working effectively and to ensure emergency access remains open.

What is stormwater?

Stormwater is water that originates during precipitation events which flows over land or impervious surfaces and does not soak or percolate into the ground. Stormwater runoff that does not percolate into the ground becomes surface runoff, which flows either directly into surface waterways or it is channeled into storm sewer pipes, which eventually discharge to surface waters. As the stormwater runoff flows over the land or impervious surfaces (paved streets, paved parking lots, and building rooftops), it accumulates and discharges debris, chemicals, sediments or other pollutants to the waterways that could adversely affect water quality if the runoff is discharged untreated.

Surface Drainage Maintenance

City roadside swales and stormwater easements are cut and maintained monthly by the Public Works Department.  The City has taken on some major capital projects that have resulted in additional key areas to help drain the City during rainfall events.  These channels are being maintained by public works staff monthly.  In addition, there are a few major channels that are not under City’s ownership.  Maintenance of these are typically coordinated with the Mosquito Control District to ensure ditches are open and operating. 

The Continuous Beach Outfalls are monitored by the Public Works Stormwater Division.  After rainfall events and different tide and surf conditions, they are checked to verify they are open and flowing.  The tide and surf sometimes results in sand being deposited that blocks the outfalls.  In addition, rainfall events can sometimes re-route the direction of the flow, so crews will use heavy equipment to keep them open and the discharge directed straight towards the Gulf to prevent meandering and erosion to the beaches.  These maintenance activities vary from a minimum of monthly to sometimes a few times per week. 

• Surface Water Maintenance Map

Stormwater Outfall Structures

There are total of fifty (50) stormwater outfalls which drain to the beach. Thirty one (31) of these outfalls are located within the City limits and are maintained the City. The remaining 19 outfalls are maintained by Bay County.

Report a Problem

To report a drainage/flooding problem or have any questions or concerns regarding stormwater drainage systems or beach outfalls, please call (850) 233-5100, ext. 2524, or email  PublicWorks@pcbfl.gov. 

Illicit Discharge (Dumping)

An illicit discharge is defined as the intentional disposal of any material by placement of and/or directing any material into the stormwater system. Please report suspected illicit discharges of chemicals, paint, oil and grease, yard waste, fertilizer and other questionable materials to local authorities so that it can be investigated. Local ordinances deem it illegal to dispose of any pollutants to the storm sewer. View the table below for proper disposal methods.

To report an illegal dumping, please call (850) 233-5100, ext. 2524, or email PublicWorks@pcbfl.gov.

Stormwater Resources

• Stormwater Maintenance Request Form
• A Citizen's Gide to Understanding Stormwater
• Stormwater the importance of clean water
• The Solution to Stormwater Pollution
• Food Service Brochure
• Illicit Discharge Form
• NPDES Year 3 Annual Report
• NPDES Year 4 Annual Report
• NPDES Report 2020 - 2021
• Save the Swales
• Managing Non-point Source Pollution From Households
•  Solid Waste Programs in Bay County, Florida
• NPDES
• Environmental Horticulture - Topics addressed include proper use of yard chemicals, water conservation, mulching and composting practices that reduce, reuse and recycle yard trash, etc.
• 4-H Club - This is an education program for young people (Ages 5 through 18) which comprises various topics including environmental education.
• Surface Water Maintenance Map
• Fiscal Year 2021-22 Special Assessment Information

• How to Reduce Stormwater Pollution

Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents.
They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below.

Acrobat Reader Windows Media Player Word Viewer Excel Viewer PowerPoint Viewer