Prior to the urbanization of the Tampa area, a natural balance occurred in the amount of water and nutrients which were delivered to the Bay through stormwater runoff.  As the City has grown, this balance has been shifted with an increase in runoff from impervious surfaces such as rooftops and streets and a greater concentration of human-derived pollutants.  Pollutants picked up in the stormwater that drains through an urban area can have significant impacts on the water quality of surface waters such as the Hillsborough River and Tampa Bay.  Typically, there is little, if any, stormwater treatment before water flows to a surface water.

Pollutants of concern

Preventing Pollution Stormwater Permit Household Chemical Disposal Reporting pollution Storm Drain Marking Program

The Stormwater Department incorporates water quality improvement into Capital Improvement Projects whenever possible.  Water quality improvement projects have included the installation of sediment traps, nutrient-separating baffle boxes, stormwater treatment ponds, biofilters, and ditch bottom sumps.