Stormwater Quality (Engineering)

Did You Know That Sediment Is A Pollutant?

Sediment is made up of soil particles, which have detached from the land by erosion and its Colorado’s largest surface water pollutant problem. Go here to learn more about why sediment is such a problem for water quality.

Clean Water is Important to All of Us

In recent years sources of water pollution like industrial wastes from factories have been greatly reduced. Now, more than 60% of water pollution comes from everyday behaviors around our homes and businesses. Things like oil leaking cars, fertilizers and pet waste contribute to water pollution. All these sources add up to a large pollution problem. Each of us can do small things to help clean up our water - which adds up to a pollution solution!

Why Do We Need Clean Water?

Having clean water is of primary importance for our health and economy. Clean water provides recreation, commercial opportunities, fish habitat, drinking water and adds beauty to our beautiful Colorado landscape. All of us benefit from clean water - and all of us have a role in cleaning and maintaining our lakes, rivers and other waterways.

Larimer County Residents and Businesses, you can help!

Ordinary tasks like washing your car, changing oil, or taking your pet for a walk can affect our local waterways. There are many simple things you can do to help improve water quality in Larimer County.

Your everyday behavior impacts water quality in and around Larimer County. By taking simple steps around your home or business, you can help divert pollution away from storm drains, which carry untreated stormwater directly to our streams, lakes and rivers.

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What to Do in the Event of a Spill?

If there is a spill that has impacted or may impact Larimer County’s waters, contact the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment at (970) 498-6775 for assistance. Health Department staff can assess whether the spill poses a threat to public health and/or the environment, and provide you information on cleanup procedures. After hours, please call the sheriff's non-emergency line at (970) 416-1985 and ask to have the Health Department paged.

Stormwater Standards

Larimer County has adopted the Larimer County Stormwater Design Standards, which provides the drainage criteria for all new stormwater design and construction activity. The Standard incorporates most of the Urban Drainage and Flood Control District (UDFCD) Manual with amendments that are unique to Larimer County.

Volume 3 of the Standards is specific to stormwater quality. Adherence to these standards helps us protect and maintain the quality of our waterways and is a requirement of the County Stormwater Management Program and Municipal Separate Stormwater Sewer System (MS4) Permit.

Residents and HOA's