Storm Water Management

Williamson County Storm Water Management Plan

This Storm Water Management Plan (SWMP) (PDF) was developed to prevent pollution from storm drainage systems to the maximum extent practicable, with control measures being phased in during the 5-year permit term. The SWMP addresses six minimum control measures (MCMs):

  1. Public Education and Outreach on Storm Water Impacts
  2. Illicit Discharge Detection
  3. Construction Site Storm Water Runoff Control
  4. Post-Construction Storm Water Management in New Development and Redevelopment
  5. Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping for Community Operations
  6. Industrial Stormwater Sources (not applicable to Level 2 MS4s)

The Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES) Permit requirements apply only to the portions of unincorporated Williamson County that are identified as urbanized areas. There are approximately 43 non-contiguous urbanized areas in unincorporated Williamson County. These areas are identified based on data in the 2010 U.S. Census map. View the 2010 Urbanized Area Map (PDF).

What's the Worst That Could Happen

Penalties under the Texas Litter Abatement Act: Health and Safety Code 365

Class C Misdemeanor

Fine up to $500

  • 5 pounds or less or a volume of 5 gallons or less

Class B Misdemeanor

Fine up to $2,000 and/or up to 180 days in jail

  • More than 5 pounds but less than 500 pounds or a volume of more than 5 gallons but less than 100 cubic feet

Class A Misdemeanor

Fine up to $4,000 and/or up to 1 year in jail

  • 500 pounds or more but less than 1,000 pounds or has a volume of 100 cubic feet or more but less than 200 cubic feet; or
  • Dumping for a commercial purpose and weighing more than 5 pounds but less than 200 pounds or has a volume more than 5 gallons but less than 200 cubic feet.

State Jail Felony

Fine up to $10,000 and/or up to 2 years in State jail

  • 1,000 pounds or more, has a volume of 200 cubic feet or more; or
  • Dumping for a commercial purpose and weighing 200 pounds or more,
  • Has a volume of 200 cubic feet or more; or
  • Dumping a closed barrel or drum.

How to Help

Law enforcement officials need your help in fighting environmental crime. Citizens can take an active role in stopping illegal dumping by following the suggestions listed below:

  • Always dispose of your own litter properly;
  • Spread the word to friends and neighbors that illegal dumping is a crime;
  • Do not transport unsecured debris in the back of a vehicle - always use a tarp or other cover;
  • Organize volunteer cleanups of illegal dumpsites - people are less likely to litter in clean areas;
  • Do not pay roofing or other contractors until they present you with a landfill receipt showing that your waste was properly disposed;
  • Report illegal dumping in unincorporated areas to: Williamson County Road and Bridge, phone: 512-943-3330.

Illicit Discharge Hotline

Illicit Discharge Hotline (PDF)
Phone: 512-943-3330
Reportable Discharges

Water containing petroleum products, soap, chlorine, pesticides, sewage, animal waste, excessive silt, solvents, or trash should not be discharged to roadside ditches, storm sewers, or any creeks or rivers.

Vie a full list of Exempt Discharges and any other information (PDF).