WELCOME
Updating Our Stormwater Infrastructure for the Future
El Paso County (County) is starting to update its Stormwater Master Drainage Plan (SWMDP). This update will investigate long-term stormwater and review drainage studies, as well as check the capacity of public infrastructure across the County.
The aim of this project, which is led by the Department of Public Works along with Matrix Design Group, is to ensure that all parts of the County’s stormwater drainage systems are stable, sustainable, resilient, and functional. At the same time, it focuses on keeping the public safe and protecting the environment.
STORMWATER
What is stormwater and why is it important?
Stormwater runoff – is rain and snowmelt that flows over roads, rooftops, and developed land. If not properly managed, as stormwater moves over these hard surfaces, it picks up pollutants like trash, debris, sediment, and fertilizers, which are then carried through our storm sewer system right into our natural waterways. Polluted stormwater can damage our local water quality and aquatic life, as well as affect downstream creeks, rivers, lakes, and drinking water supplies. It’s important to understand that, unlike sanitary sewer systems, our storm sewer system does not go to a wastewater treatment plant for cleaning.
Learn More: https://publicworks.elpasoco.com/stormwater/
STORMWATER PROGRAM CRITERIA AND STORMWATER ORDINANCE
Creating a Stormwater Master Drainage Plan
In May 2026, the County updated its Stormwater Program Criteria and Stormwater Ordinance. The updates reflect evolving state and federal requirements under the Clean Water Act and ensure the County’s stormwater program remains aligned with current water quality standards while protecting the community for the long term. Since 2003, El Paso County has operated under a state-issued Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System permit, which established standards for stormwater management to protect water quality, reduce flooding risks, and safeguard public infrastructure. The update includes revised technical standards for stormwater quality and erosion control, which apply to both private development and public projects. The County worked closely with engineers, builders, and state partners to enhance clarity, consistency, and usability in the updated criteria. This data will be added to the SWMDP mapping and analysis.
The County also updated its Stormwater Ordinance in May 2026 to align with state requirements and provide clear, consistent procedures for administering construction and post-construction stormwater standards. This data will also be added to the SWMDP mapping and analysis.
Updates to the County's Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and the subdivision drainage and bridge fee system will be guided by the SWMDP and infrastructure analysis. The CIP program and fee system will be used to carry out important improvements as development happens and when funding is available for public drainage and water quality infrastructure.
These updates help protect our local creeks and downstream waterways while ensuring development happens responsibly.
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