Storm Water

(The following information has been provided by the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality or ODEQ.)

Stormwater is water generated from precipitation events such as rain, snow and ice melt. Stormwater can infiltrate into the soil to recharge groundwater or it can be stored on the surface to evaporate. Stormwater runoff is the water that has not infiltrated into the soil and flows downhill to surface waters such as lakes, rivers, and streams.

Stormwater that runs over impervious surfaces such as paved streets, parking lots, driveways, and rooftops do not penetrate the ground to recharge ground water. As a result, the water that flows over these surfaces collects many pollutants as they move. This stormwater runoff flows into surface bodies of waters (lakes, rivers, and streams) and causes harm to these natural water sources.

The City of Bethany has put into place a stormwater management program to help monitor stormwater runoff. We have established best management practices under each of the six minimum control measures listed:

  1. Public Education & Involvement
  2. Industrial Stormwater Runoff Control (not applicable to City of Bethany at this time)
  3. Illicit Discharge Detection & Elimination
  4. Construction Runoff Management
  5. Post-Construction Runoff Management
  6. Municipal Good Housekeeping

We can protect our water sources together! As we continue to share information about stormwater and how it affects our community, we invite you to get involved.

Here are a few simple ways you can make a difference:

  • Keep it clean: Never dump liquids, yard waste, or chemicals into city drains—these drains flow directly to our local waterways.
  • Go green: Design your own rain garden or join us for our annual rain barrel event. Rain Barrel Events
  • Volunteer: Become a Blue Thumb volunteer and learn more about how you can help protect our streams and lakes. About Us - Blue Thumb
  • Get involved: Sign up to clean a park or host a community project to help reduce stormwater pollution. Volunteer

Together, we can make a lasting impact on our community’s water quality.

To learn more or get involved, contact Development Services at (405) 789-6005 and ask to speak with someone about the stormwater program. We can do this together!