Stormwater is regulated because when rain falls on developed areas such as roads, parking lots, rooftops, and construction sites, it can pick up pollutants and carry them directly into lakes, rivers, wetlands, ultimately reaching the Everglades and coastal waters. Unlike wastewater, stormwater is often discharged without treatment.

Key reasons stormwater is regulated include:

Water Quality Protection
Stormwater runoff can contain oil, gasoline, fertilizers, pesticides, trash, sediment, heavy metals, bacteria, and other contaminants that harm aquatic ecosystems and drinking water sources.

Flood Prevention
Poorly managed stormwater can increase flooding by rapidly conveying runoff into streams and drainage systems. Regulations help ensure communities have adequate infrastructure to manage rainfall and reduce flood risks.

Environmental Protection
Excessive runoff can erode stream banks, destroy habitats, increase sedimentation, and degrade wetlands and other sensitive ecosystems.

Public Health
Stormwater pollution can introduce pathogens and contaminants into recreational waters and water supplies, creating health risks for residents.

Compliance with Federal and State Laws
The federal Clean Water Act requires regulation of stormwater discharges through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). In Florida, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and water management districts oversee stormwater permitting and management requirements.

Managing Growth and Development
Regulations require developers to incorporate stormwater treatment and retention systems, helping ensure new development does not increase flooding or pollution downstream.

In simple terms, stormwater is regulated to protect water quality, reduce flooding, safeguard public health, and preserve natural resources as communities grow and develop.

For more information on how the City manages stormwater within Weston,
please visit the Stormwater Management System page.