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1. What are the City's drainage related responsibilities?

The City maintains the public stormwater drainage system and structures within the right-of-way and dedicated public stormwater drainage easements. The City does not maintain drainage facilities that are located within drainage easements on private property including: 

• concrete channels
• retention walls
• retention ponds
• detention ponds

2. What are the resident's drainage related responsibilities?

Per the City's Storm Drainage Policy, it is the property owner’s responsibility to routinely maintain all creeks, streams, and natural drainageways on their property. This includes:

• Periodic removal of fallen trees, limbs and underbrush
• Periodic rough mowing
• Removal of trash and debris
• General upkeep to maintain a positive flow of storm water within the drainageway or easement.

Bar ditches and Culverts maintenance is also the responsibility of the property owner despite typically being located in the ROW dedicated to the City. Required maintenance includes:

• Periodic removal of underbrush
• Periodic rough mowing,
• Removal of trash and debris
• General upkeep of the bar ditch or culvert to maintain a positive flow of storm water within the bar ditch or culvert. 
• Periodic cleaning of culverts to remove all sediment or other hindrances to the flow of water 
• Culverts shall be replaced by the property owner should any structure failure in the culvert potentially impede the flow of water.

  
  

3. What is the difference between public and private drainage systems?

Public drainage systems are located within public drainage easements or street right-of-way. Public drainage systems are the City’s maintenance responsibility. Private drainage systems are located on private property and may or may not be located within private drainage easements. Private drainage systems typically do not cross lot lines and are generally used to collect runoff on a specific lot. Private drainage systems are required to be maintained by the property owner.

4. My neighbor has done some work on their lot and now I'm getting more runoff. What can I do?

Drainage directed from any private systems to neighboring properties is a civil matter between the property owners. It is advised that neighbors meet and work toward an agreeable situation for the involved parties. As a reminder, it is against state water laws to divert or concentrate runoff, or block runoff from draining onto a property. 

5. What can I do if there is a significant drainage issue in my neighborhood?

If there is a significant drainage issue in your neighborhood, you can contact the Public Works Department at (817) 748-8098. You also may make a written request to the Public Works Department. Your written request will be evaluated and may be considered for a future Drainage Project as part of the City’s on-going Capital Improvements Program (CIP).

Please write to:

City of Southlake

Public Works Department

c/o City Engineer 

1400 Main St., Ste. 320

Southlake, TX 76092

6. Who do I contact for my drainage question that isn't listed here?

Call Public Works Administration and Engineering so that staff may further assist you. 

Administration & Engineering

(817) 748-8098

Hours 

Monday - Friday

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 

7. Is street flooding normal?

Yes. In most areas, the streets are considered to be a part of the drainage system. During a typical rainfall event, water will flow through storm sewers located underneath the street or in roadside ditches to a drainage channel. When the capacity of the storm sewers or roadside ditches is exceeded, the street itself will hold the water until the storm sewer or roadside ditch has additional room to drain the water.

8. What is stormwater?

The term stormwater refers to rainwater. Stormwater discharges are generated by runoff from land and paved areas during rainfall. Hard surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, and streets drain directly into our lakes, rivers, and streams. Unlike the wastewater that goes down your shower or sink, stormwater is not treated and can carry pollutants, sediment, and trash directly into the places you like to swim, fish, and boat.

For more information please visit our Stormwater Management Page.

9. What is a flood plain?

A floodplain is any land area susceptible to being inundated by the collection, pooling, and flowing of water from any source during the course of natural events. Floodplains may be classified as FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) and are located in a 100-year flood zone. The term “100-year flood zone” refers to a flood elevation that has a 1% chance of being equaled or exceeded each year.

10. What is the difference between a storm drain and a sewer?

Sewer pipes capture used water and liquid waste from homes and businesses and carry it to wastewater plants for treatment. Treated wastewater can be reused for landscape irrigation, industrial and construction purposes. Storm drains are separate from the sewer system and, unlike wastewater, stormwater is not treated and reused. Some storm drains are under streets, but much of the system consists of open canals, street gutters and other features that collect, channel and divert stormwater runoff.

11. What does impervious mean?

Impervious is defined as a surface that does not absorb water. Several examples of impervious areas include:

• asphalt or concrete pavement
• parking lots
• driveways
• sidewalks; and 
• buildings

12. What is the difference between detention and retention?

Retention permanently restrains flow of water, and is generally provided for aesthetic purposes. Detention temporarily restrains flow of water to reduce downstream impact.