Stormwater Program

Stormwater Quality Program

As part of an effort to protect one of our most cherished resources, water, Great Bend has begun developing a program to preserve the quality of our nearby waterways. Under the guidance of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Great Bend has developed a stormwater quality program. This stormwater quality program is designed to protect streams, rivers, and other internal drainage retention areas of the community from pollution.

Stormwater runoff is generated when precipitation from rain and snowmelt events flows over land or impervious surfaces and does not percolate into the ground. As the runoff flows over the land or impervious surfaces (paved streets, parking lots, and building rooftops), it accumulates debris, chemicals, sediment or other pollutants that could adversely affect water quality if the runoff is discharged untreated.

The primary method to control stormwater discharges is the use of best management practices (BMPs). Great Bend Stormwater Quality Program is designed to ensure that proper BMPs are being followed by citizens, builders, and developers alike.

How Can I Help?

In continuous efforts to protect our local waterways, the City of Great Bend has established a hotline to provide citizens with a method of reporting stormwater pollution or polluting activities.

Stormwater Quality Hotline (620) 791-5008

Please use this number to report any of the following:

  • Individuals dumping anything in a storm drain, ditch, stream or creek.
  • Individuals changing oil, antifreeze, rinsing paint brushes, or washing vehicles and allowing it to drain to the curb or storm drain.
  • Excessive dirt or mud on roadways from construction sites.
  • Polluted water (unnatural color, glossy sheen on water, dead fish).
  • Overflowing sanitary sewer manholes.
  • Illegal connections to storm drains such as processed water or wash water.
  • Individuals sweeping large amounts of grass clippings or leaves into the street, storm drains, drainageways, or creeks.

Pet Waste Tips Brochure (PDF)

Homeowner’s Stormwater Pollution Solutions Brochure (PDF)

Great Bend Stormwater Management Regulations

In an effort to comply with the EPA mandated NPDES Phase II Stormwater Permit, The City of Great Bend has adopted regulations that govern management of pollutants into the stormwater system. The regulations place specific prohibitions on pollutants that are typically washed down storm drains, fortifies state and federal permit requirements for industrial discharges, and places specific mandates for the use of best management practices to prevent sediment runoff from construction sites. The link below contains the most current version of city code as it pertains to stormwater management.

2020 Household Hazardous Waste Schedule (PDF)
Great Bend Stormwater Management Regulations (PDF)