Storm water runoff occurs when rain or snowmelt flows over the ground on its way to storm drains, drainage ways, creeks, and lakes. Storm water picks up debris, chemicals, dirt, pet wastes, and other pollutants and deposits them in water bodies we use for swimming, fishing and drinking. Runoff from a rain storm or snow melt is not treated at a wastewater treatment facility, so the Town takes preventative measures to help ensure the runoff stays as clean as possible, particularly around construction sites and landscaping.
The education of people about their role in influencing water quality on a neighborhood watershed scale is another responsibility of the Town’s Public Works Department. Information is conveyed about the best ways to control pollution sources, how to promote stewardship in neighborhoods, and adopt better water quality stewardship practices at home and at work. The watershed that all of the streams, creeks, and rivers drain to in the metro Denver area is the South Platte watershed.
Finally, the Public Works Department spends a great deal of time monitoring and cleaning the Town’s stormwater infrastructure and ensuring the Town is in compliance with all State regulations. Proactive and response operations are often a daily task during the rainy spring and summer in Colorado.
In Columbine Valley the Town depends on residents to assist in the upkeep of our stormwater system. Each homeowner is responsible for keeping the gutter pans in front of and beside their homes clear of build-up and debris. This is often a challenge for residents on flat streets, but is crucial to preventing pooling and flooding.