Stormwater Management

Managing stormwater is vital to the health of Charlotte Harbor. Some of the water that falls in the watershed reaches the Harbor through the ground, but most of it is carried by canals and rivers via stormwater runoff. Without a stormwater system such as a swale or detention pond, the stormwater would runoff into the nearest water body without treatment. This runoff carries pollutants such as litter, motor oil, gasoline, fertilizers, pesticides, pet wastes, sediments and anything else that can float, dissolve or be swept away by moving water. The Stormwater division works with the existing drainage systems and provide guidance for new systems that will be constructed.

To report drainage issues, please call the Public Works office at 941.575.3600

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)

Under the Clean water act, the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program addresses water pollution by regulating point sources that discharge pollutants to waters of the United States. For information on the Charlotte County NPDES permit.

Water Quality

The Stormwater Management Division is involved in a collaborative water quality monitoring program that includes

This team monitors the waters in the tidal Peace and Myakka Rivers and Lemon Bay. CHNEP conducts water monitoring programs within the Charlotte Harbor Estuary that gauge the overall quality of the water and detect any changes. With this data, agencies can determine the effectiveness of processes that reduce pollution and improve water quality in our waterways.

Get Involved

Contact any of these outstanding organizations listed below to find out more about how you can help.

Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program

The CHNEP is a partnership that protects the Charlotte Harbor estuaries from Venice to Estero Bay by improving the ecological integrity of the watershed. This partnership gives citizens, elected officials, resource managers, and commercial and recreational resource users within the 4,400-square-mile study area a voice to address diverse resource management concerns including fish and wildlife habitat loss, water quality and water flow.

Adopt-A-Pond Program

The Adopt-A-Pond Program is a collaboration between Charlotte County Stormwater Department and Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center (CHEC). This volunteer program cleans up stormwater ponds to improve the water quality and improves the natural habitat for fish and wildlife. A Stormwater pond provides water quality protection and flood protection.

Anyone can adopt a pond; family, civic or non-profit organizations, schools, environmental groups, commercial or private enterprises. The group's only obligation is to provide clean-up for their adopted ponds at regularly scheduled times. In exchange for service, a sign will be posted near the pond to recognize the volunteers or organization.

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the Adopt-A-Pond Volunteer Coordinator Melissa Robinson at (941) 475-0769 or email chec@checflorida.org.

Adopt-A-Highway Program

Since its inception in 1990, Florida Department of Transportation's Adopt-A-Highway program has been successful in reducing the cost of litter removal and improving the appearance of highway right-of-way areas throughout Florida.

Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program

Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) encourages Florida residents to use low-maintenance plants and environmentally sustainable practices. Learn how you can have a beautiful landscape that could save you time, energy and money while protecting our future. Florida Yards & Neighborhoods provides more information about FFL with interactive tools.

Stormwater Links

The following links provide additional information about Stormwater Pollution Prevention and the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Program.

My Neighborhood

1% Local Option Sales Tax

Administration

Your Business. Cleared for Takeoff.