Why does the city care if I blow my grass and leaves into the street or gutters?

Yard waste and other debris that lands in the gutters and ditches eventually winds up in our storm sewer system. During a heavy storm event, those extra solids can clog the pipes and cause flooding in streets, flooding in houses, and even endanger people’s lives. Writing citations to people who choose to use the storm sewers as their own personal trash can is one of the many ways that the City protects against that damage. Plus, these laws help the City maintain its Community Rating System score – a tool that insurance companies use to give homeowners of Ponca City a 25% discount on their flood insurance policies.

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1. Why does the city care if I blow my grass and leaves into the street or gutters?
2. What stormwater detention requirements and discharge permits apply in Ponca City?
3. What type of drainage system maintenance procedures can homeowners perform?
4. What can I do to prevent stormwater run-off pollution?
5. Hasn't the City always had storm drains? Nothing has changed at my home/business. Why am I being charged now when I wasn't several years ago?
6. Why are the storm water and sanitary sewer systems separate?