Help Center

Utilities & Engineering

Utilities & Engineering
Office Hours

Monday - Thursday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM

After Hours

After 6:00 PM Monday - Thursday
All day Friday - Sunday

Contact Us

Phone: 954-973-6786

Fax: 954-571-4146

Address

5295 Johnson Road
Coconut Creek, FL 33073

Engineering Permit Inspection Requests

Monday - Thursday
7:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Personnel

Randall Blanchette, PE Assistant Director 954-973-6786

Wayne Yorker Transportation & Stormwater Supervisor 954-973-6786

Stormwater and Canals

PLACING IMPROPER MATERIAL INTO STORM DRAINS IS ILLEGAL

To report illegal dumping in Coconut Creek please call Code Enforcement: 954-973-6872

What is Stormwater and Why Does it Matter?
Stormwater refers to rainwater that has reached the ground. As it lands on surfaces like buildings, trees, roads, sidewalks, and yards, some of it evaporates or is absorbed by vegetation. However, much of it flows across the ground as runoff, traveling to the lowest point in the area.

This runoff can lead to flooding and may pick up pollutants such as trash, oils, and chemicals along the way—carrying them into our lakes, canals, and other local waterways. That’s why regular stormwater system maintenance is so important. It helps prevent flooding, protects water quality, and keeps our city clean, healthy, and safe for everyone.

Understanding Stormwater Terms

Impervious Surfaces
These are surfaces that don’t allow water to soak into the ground. Examples include rooftops, buildings, streets, parking lots, driveways, sidewalks, patios, concrete, asphalt, and even artificial turf. Because they block natural water absorption, impervious surfaces increase the amount and speed of stormwater runoff, which can lead to flooding and pollution.

Storm Drains
Storm drains are openings—usually along curbs or in parking lots—that collect rainwater runoff from paved areas and direct it into the city’s drainage system. They help reduce surface flooding and guide water away from roads and properties.

Catch Basins
Catch basins are underground structures located beneath storm drains. They "catch" or collect debris, sediment, oils, and pollutants from stormwater before it flows into the stormwater system and eventually our canals and waterways. Items like motor oil, paint, pesticides, cigarette butts, pet waste, trash, and even golf balls can accumulate in catch basins. Routine cleaning and maintenance are essential to keep these pollutants out of our environment and ensure our stormwater system works effectively.

Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Stormwater Protection

Best Management Practices (BMPs) are simple, effective ways we can all help protect our water resources. They’re designed to reduce pollution in stormwater and manage runoff to help prevent flooding and erosion. It's much more efficient—and cost-effective—to stop pollution at the source than to treat contaminated water later.

Here are some easy ways you can make a difference:

Only rain should go down the drain. Never dump trash, pool water, or other waste into storm drains.
Pick up after your pets. Pet waste contains harmful bacteria that can wash into waterways.
Use fertilizers and pesticides responsibly. Avoid over-fertilizing and never apply these products before a heavy rain.
Keep leaves and grass clippings off the street. Place yard waste at the curb—not in the roadway—to prevent clogging gutters and storm drains.
Dispose of chemicals properly. Take household hazardous waste, like paint or motor oil, to a designated collection site—never pour them down the drain.

Together, we can protect our environment and keep our city clean, safe, and resilient.

If you have any questions, contact: Randall Blanchette, PE, Assistant Director or call 954-973-6786.