With a little effort, each one of us can help keep our area waterways clean and ensure that they remain a useable resource for future generations. Below are just a few of the things you can do to help reduce stormwater pollution in Beaumont. In addition, you will also find links to further information on stormwater pollution.

Reduce/Reuse/Recycle

Reduce/Reuse/Recycle just about sums it up. If we reduce the amount of waste we generate, reuse what we can and recycle what we know someone else can use, we can greatly reduce the impact of stormwater pollution. A few simple things we can all do to address the problem are:

  • Carpool, when possible, or take advantage of the City of Beaumont’s transit system.
  • Recycle used motor oil through the City of Beaumont’s Used Motor Oil Collection program
  • Dispose of Household Hazardous Wastes (paint, pesticides and other household chemicals) at the next Southeast Texas Regional Planning Council Collection Event

Oil Recycling Brochure 
Keep Beaumont Beautiful Brochure 

The City of Beaumont encourages its citizens to promptly notify the City of any observed pollutants in the drainage system. Reports can be made via the City of Beaumont’s Stormwater Hotline at 409-880-3725 or 311.

When to make a report:
  • When you notice unusual odors in the drainage system
  • When you find dumped waste
  • When a stormwater outfall is flowing during dry periods
  • When you notice discolored vegetation or concrete
  • When you see someone illegally dumping anything into the storm drain

NOTE: If you are reporting an emergency situation that could result in imminent and substantial danger to the health and safety of persons, do not contact the Stormwater Hotline but, instead, call 911.

  • Use pesticides/herbicides wisely and sparingly.

    Pesticides/herbicides can be a significant source of stormwater pollution if care is not taken during their use. By simply following a few guidelines, the impact of pesticides/herbicides can be minimized.

    Follow the manufacturer’s directions carefully and never use more than needed for the job.

    Use the right herbicide/pesticide for the job at hand and minimize the impact to our area waterways.

    Never use chemicals when rain is expected.

    Never pour chemicals down the storm drain, toilet, manhole or household drain. Also, when watering, be mindful of the impact pesticides/herbicides can have on our waterways and avoid allowing them to run off the lawn and into the street.

    Pesticides/Herbicides Brochure

    Under the City’s Watershed Protection Ordinance, any individual or business engaged in the selling of pesticide/herbicide/fertilizer products is required to post the following notice at their place of business:  Pesticide Notice

    Actual Ordinance Language

    Display of Notice. Any person selling pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers at a retail or wholesale place of business shall post a sign pertaining to the regulation of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers that may be required by State regulation. Such sign, when required by State regulation, shall also include or have appended to it a statement to the effect that information on the use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers can be obtained from the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (now TCEQ). Such notice and information shall be prominently displayed at the place of business where it may be read by purchasers of any pesticide, herbicide or fertilizer.

When washing your car

Most people don’t know that washing your car could have an impact on our area streams. The fact is, car washing not only uses more water than a commercial car wash but it also introduces soap, oil and engine grime to the environment. The dirty water and soap has to go somewhere so it flows down your driveway and into the street where it empties into a curb inlet and eventually flows to a nearby stream. These detergents then begin to wreak havoc on fish and other wildlife. The solution to this problem is to use a commercial car wash when possible. Wastewater generated at commercial car washes flows to the wastewater treatment facility where it is cleaned before being reintroduced to our area waterways. Still, if you must wash your vehicle at home, follow these tips to help minimize pollution:

  • Use only minimal amounts of soap and try to avoid using too much water when rinsing since the runoff may flow into the street.
  • If possible, wash cars on the lawn rather than the driveway. The lawn will absorb the soapy water and prevent it from flowing into the street.
Dry cleanup methods

Another great way to help reduce pollution is to practice dry cleanup methods. What are dry cleanup methods? Dry cleanup methods are simply methods of cleaning without using water, which could run into the street and make its way to a nearby stream. So, use a broom to sweep up waste on your driveway and/or sidewalk rather than using a water hose. To clean up oil spills, try using cat litter to absorb the oil and then sweep up the litter and place it in the trash can.

Remember, “ONLY RAIN DOWN THE DRAIN”.

Litter is a major contributor to stormwater pollution. Litter and other debris can block storm drains and lead to flooding. In addition, litter can impair water quality and have a significant impact on the aesthetic and recreational value of our area waterways.

Litter is more than an eyesore. When it rains, litter washes into the storm drain system and ends up in area streams and water bodies. And, much of it remains there for a long time. For instance, did you know that cigarette butts can take up to 25 years to break down or, that plastic six-pack rings can take up to 450 years to break down? It’s important that future generations have the same opportunity that we have had to enjoy our abundant waterways and wildlife.

As good stewards of the environment, we need to do our part to ensure that this opportunity remains. So in simple terms, don’t litter. Place all trash in appropriate containers and, while enjoying the outdoors, remember to always leave an area just as it was when you arrived by bagging your trash and carrying it out with you. Also, when carrying trash and other debris in the backs of trucks, make sure the load is secured so litter will not be blown from the truck bed. Lastly, get involved in local cleanup efforts when the opportunity arises and/or lead a cleanup effort in your neighborhood. For more information on what you can do to “Keep Beaumont Beautiful”, contact the Engineering Division at 409-880-3725.

Litter Brochure 

Preventing Litter Brochure

Yard waste is yet another significant source of storm water pollution. Leaves and grass clippings, not to mention sticks and other yard waste, do not belong in the storm drain. These items can do serious damage to water quality and to fish and other wildlife found in our area waterways. A good alternative to improper disposal of yard waste is composting. Composting is not only a useful tool for home gardeners but also an excellent way to reuse yard waste rather than allowing it to become a problem. If composting is not for you then take advantage of the City of Beaumont’s Yard Waste Collection program.

Regardless of the path you choose, remember “ONLY RAIN DOWN THE DRAIN“.

Yard Waste Brochure 

Lawn Maintenance Contractors Brochure 

Composting Brochure 

Did you ever stop to think where spilled motor oil and other automotive fluids go? If you’re like most people, probably not. Each time it rains, many of these contaminants flow into the storm sewer and make their way to area waterways where they can have a negative impact on our water quality as well as on fish and other wildlife. Automotive fluids such as oil, grease, anti-freeze and brake fluid, as well as asbestos from worn brake linings, zinc from tires and other toxins pose a serious threat to our environment. Fortunately, their effect can be greatly minimized by simply practicing responsible habits when performing routine automotive maintenance. So, the next time you’re faced with performing routine auto-maintenance, try following guidelines in the “Auto Maintenance Brochure” and help preserve our waterways.

Auto Maintenance Brochure