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What is Stormwater?
Stormwater is water from precipitation (rain, snow, ice, sleet) that travels across the ground and pavement and flows directly into storm drains, creeks, streams, ditches, lakes, ponds, rivers, etc. Stormwater, as it flows directly into the waterbodies, is carried by the City's storm drain system, or flows into the water via a ditch, yard inlet, pipe, culvert, or a catch basin.
This water is not treated prior to entering our waterbodies. It tends to pick up garbage, debris, sediment, chemicals, automotive fluids and other pollutants before it reaches our waterways. This runoff is relatively dirty and harms the fish and wildlife living in the waterways. Water that flows to and through the City's storm drains is not treated water, therefore, it's generally polluted by the time it reaches the waterway. This storm drain system is different from the sanitary sewer system.
The City of Goodlettsville is required by state and federal governmental agencies to have a permit for all waters that discharge from the City's storm drain system into our creeks and streams. This permit requires the City to provide information to its residents and business owners, monitoring programs, inspections and policies governing stormwater. If you see illegal dumping into our City's storm drains, contact Public Works immediately by calling (615) 859-2740 or via email.
Stormwater Problems
Stormwater causes water quality and water quantity problems. Stormwater runoff picks up anything in its path and delivers it to our water resources. Pollutants including oil, yard waste, fertilizers, dirt, litter, etc. create stormwater of poor quality which harms our waterways. Too much stormwater is also harmful. In an area with natural ground cover, only 10% of stormwater becomes runoff. The remaining water is absorbed into the ground or evaporates. In urban areas, more than 50% of rainfall can become stormwater runoff. This increased quantity of runoff can cause flooding, erosion of topsoil & stream banks, destroy marine wildlife and possibly cause property damage, if not properly managed.
Nonpoint Source Pollution (NPS)
Nonpoint source pollution is water pollution that is difficult to trace to a specific discharge point. Because polluted water comes from many diverse sources, it is hard to control. Examples include fertilizers, pesticides, dirt, oil, salt, metals and litter. These items come from farms, yards, roofs, construction sites, vehicles and streets.
Pervious & Impervious Surface Areas
An impervious surface area is any area that does not readily absorb water and one that impedes the natural infiltration of water into the soil. Examples are roofs, driveways, parking areas, sidewalks, concrete & paved streets, stone & gravel surfaces, etc.
A pervious area is one that readily absorbs the water and does not impede the natural infiltration of water into the soil. Examples are the ground, a green roof, landscaped areas, gardens, etc. To learn more about Community Gardening, click here. It's fun and rewarding and just takes a few simple steps to start!
Illicit Discharge
An illicit discharge is any substance discharged into the City's drainage system which poses a threat to water quality, public health and/or safety. Click here to read an informational brochure on how you can help prevent stormwater pollution.
Stormwater information for residents.
Stormwater information for contractors/builders/restaurants.
Stormwater FAQs and links.
Click here for information on Stormwater Structures & Mosquitoes.
Sumner County Stormwater Group
Wilson County Stormwater Group
Cumberland River Compact. Check out this organization helping improve water quality.
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