Our Stormwater Department is dedicated to protecting public health, reducing flooding risks, and improving water quality in our community. We work diligently to ensure our stormwater systems operate efficiently and effectively. 

Our Goals:

• Protect the health, safety and welfare of the public
• Manage stormwater to minimize flooding, erosion and contamination
• Develop and implement a cost-effective stormwater management program
• Educate the public about what they can do to help keep our waters clean

Routine Maintenance: 

• Cleaning and Inspecting: Regularly clean and inspect stormwater infrastructure such as ditches, catch basins, drainage pipes, and creeks. 
• Debris Removal: Remove trash, leaves, and other debris from catch basins and drainage systems to prevent blockages. 
• Sediment Removal: Use vacuum trucks or other equipment to remove accumulated sediment from stormwater facilities. 
• Vegetation Management: Trim and remove ove3rgrown vegetation around stormwater structures to ensure proper flow and prevent blockages. 
• Inspection Schedules: Establish and follow regular inspection schedules to identify and address maintenance needs promptly. 

Public Safety:

If you encounter issues such as cave-ins, flooding, or illegal dumping, please report them to us immediately. Your prompt action helps us address problems quickly and keep our community safe. 

Environmental Protection:

We strive to maintain high stormwater quality and manage stormwater retention systems to protect our environment. Our efforts include monitoring water quality and implementing best management practices (BMP's) for stormwater treatment. 

Texas Law Regarding Bodies of Water:

• Public vs. Private Streams: In Texas, streams are considered public if they are navigable in fact or by statute. A stream is navigable if it retains and average width of 30 feet from the mouth up. 
• Groundwater Rights: Landowners own the groundwater beneath their property, but this right does not guarantee a specific amount of water. 
• Surface Water Rights: Surface water rights are regulated by the Texas Commision on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), and landowners must obtain permits for the use of surface water. 
• Streambed Ownership: The streambeds is considered public property up to the gradient boundary, which is the line halfway between the low and high-water marks. 

If a creek runs through private property in Texas, the ownership and rights can depend on several factors: 

1. Navigability: If the creek is navigable in fact (meaning it can be used for transportation) or navigable by statute (retaining an average width of 30 feet from mouth up), it is considered public property. The state owns the streambed up to the gradient boundary, which is halfway between the low and high-water marks. 
2. Non-Navigable Streams: If the creek is not navigable, it is generally considered private property. The landowner owns the creek bed and the water within it. 
3. Permits and Regulation: Even for non-navigable streams, landowners may need permits for certain activities, such as building dams or other structures that could impact the water flow. 
4. Public Use: Even if a creek is on private property, the public may have the right to use it for activities like fishing or boating, depending on local regulations and the specific circumstances of the creek. 

It's always a good idea to consult with Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for specific advice and to ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulation. 

Report Flooding, Drainage Issues, Surface Water Quality Problems:

Report Flooding or Drainage Issues:

City of Tyler Streets and Stormwater Department 

3305 Frankston Hwy. Tyler, TX 75701 

Phone: (903) 531-1393

Report Illicit Discharges, Surface Water Quality Problems, Oil Spills, etc.:

Environmental Compliance Engineer

511 W. Locust St. Tyler, TX 75702

Phone: (903) 531-1085

Information about the Stormwater Management Program

Report These and More at: 

My Tyler App | Tyler, TX (cityoftyler.org)