Cuyahoga County manages stormwater through its Municipal Storm Sewer System (MS4) National Pollution Discharge and Elimination System (NPDES) permit. This permit covers stormwater discharges from County facilities, as well as stormwater management activities related to road and bridge construction.

County facilities follow best practices to control the discharge of stormwater to the local storm drainage system. Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs) have been developed for the major County owned facilities located in separate sewer areas.

Specific road and bridge construction projects are required to develop SWPPPs to control the discharge of stormwater runoff during construction and to provide post-construction Best Management Plans (BMPs) to manage runoff after project completion.

County personnel partner with the Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District to educate residents on stormwater management policies and practices.

Learn more on stormwater, Cuyahoga Water and Soil Conservation District educational and pollution prevention tips, and how you can protect your Watershed below:

• What is Stormwater?
• Cuyahoga Water & Soil Conservation District

What is a Watershed?

A watershed is the area of land where all the water that is under it or drains off it goes into the same place.

Watersheds come in all shapes and sizes. They cross country, state, and national boundaries. No matter where you are, you're in a watershed!

Here's How You Can Protect Your Watershed:

• Conserve water by fixing leaks and turning off the water when not in use.
• Don't pour toxic household chemicals down the drain; take them to a hazardous waste center.
• Use surfaces like wood, brick or gravel for decks and walkways, which allows rain to soak in and not run off.
• Don't pour used oil or antifreeze into the storm drain or the street.
• Pick up after your dog, dispose of the waste in the toilet or the trash.