Stormwater
Stormwater
The stormwater or rainwater collection system is completely separate from the sewer system. The water that goes down the storm drain travels directly to local waterbodies, this includes any trash or pollutants that make it into the storm drain.
At Gwinnett Water Resources, we manage both stormwater quantity and quality with a combination of operational and engineering practices.
Did you know that grass clippings and pet waste shouldn’t be put down a storm drain? Learn More
Protecting Water Quality
Protecting water quality is important for maintaining the health of the local ecosystem and the community. Anything other than rainwater that enters a storm drain or any other part of the stormwater system is considered an illicit discharge, which is prohibited by the County Code’s Illicit Discharge and Illegal Connection (IDIC) Ordinance. Gwinnett Water Resources investigates potential illicit discharges into our surface waters. Visit the Protecting our Waterways page for more information about these pollutants. If you suspect a possible illicit discharge violation, please call 678.376.7000 immediately to report it.
Our inspectors are required to audit certain priority industrial activities. These audits are designed to assess compliance with the IDIC. Read more about industry specific water quality guidelines. In addition to investigating potential pollution sources, Gwinnett Water also regularly monitors surface waters throughout the county. Active and ongoing monitoring is important and keeps us aware of the current conditions in county waterways and helps us take steps to address and reduce any harmful impacts. To see real-time monitoring data, visit the USGS website.
The full monitoring, inspection and reporting is outlined in Gwinnett County's Stormwater Management Plan. This plan includes information on Gwinnett County's maintenance of stormwater systems, illicit discharge detection and elimination, monitoring of impaired waterways, public education and involvement, industrial and highly visible pollutant source inspections, and stormwater controls. For questions about the SWMP please email dwrinfo@gwinnettcounty.com .
Managing Runoff and Surface Water
Gwinnett Water Resources maintains, upgrades, and repairs storm drains, pipes, and other stormwater infrastructure. Maintaining these structures helps to protect water quality and prevent flooding. Gwinnett’s dam maintenance and operations program ensures that the County’s dams comply with all state and federal programs, ensuring public safety and preventing dangerous floods.
Managing stormwater also involves implementing and inspecting stormwater control structures known as best management practices, or BMPs. Some examples of BMPs include detention ponds, vegetated filter strips, swales, and retention basins.
Gwinnett Water Resources also works with parks and schools to restore streams and other natural waterways, returning them to more natural flow patterns and conditions. These types of projects allow us to use natural resources to protect and preserve greenspace while protecting water quality.
Learn more about how DWR maintains our existing infrastructure.
Read more about floods and floodplains.
Learn more about different BMPs and what you need to do to maintain your BMP.