Stormwater Concerns

Public Education and Outreach

The City of Glendale is a Municipal Separate Stormsewer System (MS4) Permit holder. As such we have the responsibility to reduce stormwater discharges of pollutants via stormwater. We work with businesses and the public to reduce the pollution that may make it into the local creeks. Pollution can come from litter, excess fertilizer use and pet waste left behind.  Storm drains do not take runoff to a treatment plant, so when it rains, all this pollution washes into a storm drain and flows directly to the local creeks.

The following videos provide ways you can help to reduce stormwater pollution:

And check out SPLASH for even more great information!

In addition, to educating the public, the City of Glendale has several other programs to help reduce stormwater pollution.  Below is a description of some of these programs. 

Illegal Discharges

Glendale has an ordinance prohibiting the discharge of pollutants into the storm drain system. Glendale staff is trained to identify and report illegal discharges. Residents can also help by reporting any suspicious substances entering a storm drain to Public Works Director Josh Bertrand at 303-639-4500.

Illegal Discharges Include:

  • Any substances that have a "funny" color or odor
  • Fertilizers and pesticides
  • Gasoline
  • Grass clippings and leaves
  • Paint
  • Used motor oil
  • Wash water from carpet cleaners

Allowable Non-Storm Water Discharges Include:

  • Emergency fire fighting activities
  • Individual residential car washing
  • Lawn watering
  • Municipal water line flushing

Construction Site Storm Water Runoff Control

All construction projects disturbing one acre or more, or less than one acre but part of a larger common plan of development, must obtain a storm water permit from the Colorado Department of Public Health (CDPHE). Both CDPHE and Glendale require the construction site to have a Storm Water Management Plan (SWMP). The storm water management plan requirements are the same, with two exceptions: Glendale requires weekly self inspections of the construction site and an alternate SWMP Administrator be named.

What Citizens Can Do

Citizens can also help protect Cherry Creek by reporting any dirt on a road from a construction site entrance/exit, collapsed silt fence, unprotected storm drain inlets receiving dirty water from a construction site, and spills from a construction site. Please review Glendale's ordinance for new construction sites. To report a concern, fill out our online report or call Public Works at 303-639-4500.

Stormwater Pollutants

Glendale staff are trained to identify and control stormwater pollution from municipal activities. Glendale has developed a program for Management of Municipal Stormwater, which guides Glendale staff in conducting their daily duties while preventing stormwater pollution.

For more information on Glendale's stormwater program or to report an illegal discharge or stormwater pollution from a construction site, please contact Josh Bertrand at 303-639-4500.

Helpful Links:
Cherry Creek Stewardship Partners
Colorado Stormwater Council
SPLASH
State Stormwater Permit Information
US EPA Stormwater Information