A collaborative approach to stormwater management
Eagle Mountain Lake is a vital water source and a popular recreational area in North Texas, but it faces ongoing challenges due to stormwater runoff and sediment accumulation. The Integrated Stormwater Management (iSWM) program has taken an active role in advocating for the lake’s protection. Created by the North Central Texas Council of Governments, this advocacy group works alongside municipalities and governments to implement the best management practices for stormwater control.
While it doesn’t have direct jurisdiction over stormwater management, the organization collaborates with cities that oversee these regulations. iSWM’s focus is on developments near the lake that could significantly impact water quality due to stormwater runoff. Jennifer Owens is an environmental technician at the Tarrant Regional Water District and a spokesperson for the iSWM program.
“Our role is to really advocate for the lake and work in partnership with the cities that do have authority over stormwater control,” Owens said.
One of iSWM’s primary roles is visiting sites after significant rainfall on the lake. iSWM personnel inspect developments like houses or businesses and assess the stormwater control measures. Then, the information is shared with the residing municipalities to ensure compliance with stormwater management regulations.
“We’re not enforcing regulations, but we provide supplemental information to local authorities so they can take appropriate action,” Owens said. “That’s really what our effort is about.”
A key concern of iSWM is sediment runoff, which can reduce the lake’s water storage capability and decrease the water quality.
“By keeping the sediment on site, keeping it from coming into the lake, by maintaining our water capacity, it keeps us from having to develop a new reservoir,” Owens said.
To achieve this, iSWM encourages quality maintenance of stormwater control measures, such as sediment barriers and erosion control. This advocacy group also educates the public on these overlooked problems.
“Our watershed group does a lot for education,” Owens said. “The more we can protect the water quality, that helps improve the function of the lake.”
Public engagement is another important aspect of iSWM’s efforts. The organization educates residents about stormwater management and addresses concerns in regard to new developments near the lake. iSWM emphasizes that stormwater infrastructure is designed to handle runoff from normal rain but could be overwhelmed during heavy rainstorms.
“That first inch-and-a-half of water that runs off the site is really the most critical in terms of the water quality coming off the site,” Owens said. “It’s an important thing for people to understand.” iSWM also supports green infrastructure initiatives, including permeable pavements and rain gardens. However, since participation is voluntary, implementation depends on a developers’ willingness to participate in these practices “We have resources available for those interested and we encourage municipalities to incorporate these methods,” Owens said.
As Eagle Mountain Lake continues to see rapid development, maintaining water quality remains a top priority. The ongoing collaboration between municipalities, developers and residents is helping to reduce stormwater impact. Looking ahead, iSWM is working on the Watershed Protection Plan which, if approved, could lead to more funding and initiatives to further protect Eagle Mountain Lake.
