Public Works Stormwater Division

City of Owasso Public Works Stormwater Division
Drainage Channel

The Public Works Stormwater Division oversees the functionality of drainage channels, storm drains, ditches, and creeks throughout the city. This includes repairing erosion and washouts, removing blockages, debris cleanup, inspecting, and other methods of upkeep. The purpose of this division is to promote public health, safety, and overall welfare of citizens by managing the storm water system throughout the city.

The City of Owasso is designated as a Phase II MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) that must comply with requirements directed by the Environmental Protection Agency under the Clean Water act, as well as the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality under the OKR04 State Storm Water Permit for Phase II municipalities. By order of the OKR04 Permit, we have a "Storm Water Management Plan" that covers requirements in each of the 6 categories required by the EPA and ODEQ. These 6 categories are:

  • Public Education and Outreach
  • Public Participation and Involvement
  • Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
  • Construction Site Storm Water Runoff Control
  • Post Construction Management in New Development and Re-Development
  • Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping

Many of these areas are directly impacted by citizen involvement and a willingness to participate in making this program successful and improving the overall water quality of our streams. So what are ways that people can help?

A little effort by a lot of people will be much more successful than a lot of effort by a few people.

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The City of Owasso is a member of the Green Country Stormwater Alliance, which gives the public information and education about water quality issues and resources.  GCSA’s goal is to research technical issues and ensure that our GCSA members have the resources (knowledge, training and support) they need to meet all stormwater permit requirements under OKR04. By doing so the GCSA members and the members within their communities are able to manage a stormwater program that reduces pollutants in stormwater runoff and improves environmental conditions which benefit everybody.  For more information, please visit the GCSA website.

An active participant in our Storm Water Management Program is the Blue Thumb Conservation Commission.  Blue Thumb is sponsored by the Oklahoma Conservation Commission, and conducts water quality testing in several streams across the state.  Three of these streams affect Owasso: the Bird Creek on the South edge of the city, the Ranch Creek on the West edge of the city, and the Elm Creek, which runs through the city.  Through the volunteer water monitoring program, the general public can volunteer to conduct water quality testing, and can become aware of the issues in our drainage channels and creeks.  This helps in giving important data about how we’re doing as a city in effectively preventing pollution from entering our streams, creeks, and drainage channels. 

The City of Owasso provides recycling services at the Owasso Recycle Center, located at 499 S. Main St.  Residents are highly encouraged to utilize the Recycle Center for all accepted items.  For hours of operation and a list of accepted recyclable items, please visit the Recycle Center Webpage or call 918-272-4991.

The City of Owasso is a member of the Metropolitan Environmental Trust.  The MET partners with member communities to develop, deliver, and support environmental programs and services, and to educate citizens on sound environmental practices. For information on recycling, special collection events, and other sound environmental practices, please visit their website by clicking the link above or call them at 918-584-0584.  

The City of Owasso strongly encourages the proper disposal of hazardous household pollutants. Residents of the City of Owasso may utilize the  Tulsa Household Pollutant Collection Facility, which provides regional collection of household hazardous waste.  For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please use the link and coordinate through the MET.

You are invited to take the time to check out the links and photo slideshow on this page.  For questions or reporting concerns, call Public Works at: 918-272-4959.  Also, here are some great environmental educational activities and games for kids:

Fun for Kids

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