According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), stormwater pollution is the number one source of water pollution in the country. To minimize pollutants transported by stormwater runoff into the storm sewer system and downstream receiving waters, the city implements programs in accordance with its Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit.

Programs Include: 

Public Education & Outreach

Englewood understands that the public can be an integral part of our stormwater program and has developed several helpful brochures that describe proper pollution prevention practices to keep our city and local waterways clean.

• After the Storm: A general Guide for Businesses and Other Private Property Owners
  This brochure explains the hazards of stormwater pollution and describes ways of preventing it.
• Clear Choices for Clean Water: Caring for Your Lawn and Garden
  This brochure describes how to maintain a healthy lawn and help improve water quality at the same time.
• Clear Choices for Clean Water: Managing Your Construction Site
  This brochure explains how best management practices can prevent erosion on a construction site.
• Clear Choices for Clear Water: Managing Your Household Wastes
  This brochure describes the types of household hazardous wastes and how to properly dispose of them.
• Stormwater Protection: Commercial and Industrial Facilities
  The following brochure is a guide for owners/managers of commercial and industrial facilities to follow proper environmental protection practices to prevent stormwater pollution and keep our waterways clean. 

If your community or group is interested in learning more about pollution prevention practices, please contact the Stormwater Division at 303-762-2573 for additional education and outreach opportunities.

The city responds to reports of spills and illegal dumping that may enter the storm drainage system and threaten the health of our streams. Unless stated otherwise in City Code Section 12-5-9, It is a crime for any person to discharge or cause to be discharged any polluting materials as well as any material not composed entirely of stormwater into the city’s storm drainage system, rivers or creeks. Any person who violates the law by discharging polluting materials shall be subject to a civil penalty of up to $999.00 per day.

If you see illegal dumping, report it to Englewood's Code Enforcement Division at 303-762-2335.

Clearing or stripping of land as well as changes in land use resulting from construction can cause stormwater pollutants, such as sediment, to enter the storm sewer system or discharge directly to local water bodies. The city is committed to protecting our natural resources and implements a construction inspection program to reduce the discharge of pollutants from applicable construction activities.

Uncontrolled stormwater runoff can significantly impact natural resources or property via erosion, flooding, or the discharge of pollutants. To control stormwater runoff and reduce the discharge of pollutants, the city requires applicable developments to install and maintain permanent stormwater control measures. These measures, known as Best Management Practices, are installed on-site to improve water quality and control the release of stormwater runoff. Each Best Management Practice has specific design standards and maintenance requirements. The city implements programs to assure that appropriate Best Management Practices are being utilized and maintained.

The city recognizes how certain municipal operations could result in the release of polluting materials via stormwater runoff. To protect our natural resources, the city maintains an internal program focused on municipal facilities and activities and is designed to help prevent pollutants from entering the storm drainage system. The program consists of staff training, pollution prevention plans, and good housekeeping procedures.

The City’s MS-4 Program Description Document is available for review. Please contact the City at 303-762-2500 for details.

Additional Resources:

• Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment - Nonpoint Source Pollution Management
• Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment – MS4 General Permits
• Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment – Water Quality
• Mile High Flood District
• Environmental Protection Agency - NPDES Stormwater Program
• SPLASH - Stormwater Permittees for Local Awareness of Stream Health