City Service Departments
Public Works Department
Storm Water Management
During the past several decades, many areas of the city have suffered from a lack of control of storm water. That water sometimes floods homes and businesses and makes some roads impassable.
New evidence shows that water which runs over roofs, streets and parking lots collects a great many pollutants that eventually make their way into the Gulf of Mexico and the waters of Anna Maria Sound, ( Sarasota Bay.) Once there they disturb the ecological balance.
Sediment can result in damage to the gills of fish or the effects of ingestion of sediment and pollutants on shellfish. Lack of sunlight going through the water can destroy plant life. The pollutants from stormwater runoff can damage mangroves and destroy the natural habitat of marine life and birds. This results in the loss of a valuable resource.
What can an individual do to help protect our natural resources ?
- Limit use of pesticides and herbicides.
- Use chemical fertilizers sparingly.
- Use vegetation instead of pavement wherever possible in landscape.
- Redirect runoff from roofs, patios and driveways to grass areas or swales, where it can be filtered through the silt and recharge the groundwater levels. Water that goes directly into a body of water often carries with it sediment, leaves, fertilizers, pesticides, grass clippings and trash.
- Wash cars on the lawn instead of the driveway, and use biodegradable detergents with little or no phosphate.
- Dispose of chemicals and trash properly. Drop off used motor oil at gas stations or garages that recycle. Leaves and lawn clippings can be used for mulch or compost.
- Avoid littering. Animals mistake plastic bags for food. Aluminum can take 80-100 years to decompose. Polystyrene foam never completely bio-degrades. Birds become tangled in fishing lines.
- Landscape yards and gardens so water stays on the property.
- Keep vehicles in good repair. Oils and fuels on pavements are eventually carried into the water.
A Stormwater Management Utilitywas established in September 2004 by the City of Bradenton Beach, to be used for the maintenance and improvement of the stormwater system.
The fee for each parcel of property in the city is based "ERU" Equivalent Residential Unit for each property. .
Note: Pervious means the ground is in a natural state that allows the rain water to flow down into the aquifer. Impervious means the ground is covered with a hard surface, such as a driveway, patio or building, that causes water to run off of it.
The program also provides for credits to the fee based on improvements made by the property owner.
