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Stormwater FAQs

Stormwater FAQs

These FAQs provide answers to common questions about the Stormwater Program.

Industrial Facilities

Does Clark County require a stormwater permit?
Facilities subject to stormwater regulation by Clark County Water Quality do not need to obtain a County stormwater permit. However, industrial facilities may be required by the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection to obtain a Multi-Sector General permit. Please visit NDEP’s website for more information.
How often is a facility inspected?
Facilities are inspected on an annual, periodic (2 – 5 years), or more frequent basis depending on regulatory status and compliance history.
Can I be present during an inspection?
It is preferred to have a facility manager present to address questions that may arise during the inspection.
Can my facility be exempt from inspection?
If your facility does not conduct work or store material outdoors, and does not have the potential to discharge, you may qualify for an exemption from Clark County Water Quality inspections.
Is stormwater training available?
Clark County Water Quality offers complimentary stormwater compliance training to industrial facilities. Please submit your request by contacting the Water Quality Team.

Construction Sites

Does Clark County require a stormwater permit?
Construction sites subject to stormwater regulation by Clark County Water Quality do not need to obtain a County stormwater permit. However, construction sites may be required by the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection to obtain a Construction General permit. Please visit NDEP’s website for more information (including information on discharging groundwater).
How often is a site inspected?
Construction projects that meet regulatory criteria are inspected twice throughout the duration of the project or more frequently if they meet any of the following criteria; history of non-compliance, greater than 100-acres, proximity to major washes and/or impaired water bodies, or hillsides (slopes exceeding 12% grade).
Can I be present during an inspection?
It is preferred to have a site operator and/or third-party compliance contractor present to address questions that may arise during the inspection.
What do I need to do when construction is complete?
Clark County Water Quality does not currently require notification, though a Notice of Termination of a construction site’s Nevada Division of Environmental Protection Construction General Permit may be required. Please visit NDEP’s website for more information.

Post-Construction Facilities

What are post-construction Best Management Practices (BMPs)?
Post-Construction BMPs are permanent control measures installed to reduce pollution in stormwater runoff by filtering, infiltrating, settling, or trapping contaminants before they discharge from a site. See the Post-Construction Flyer for more information about post-construction BMPs.
What are my facility's Operation and Maintenance requirements?
To ensure the long-term maintenance of BMPs, Clark County Water Quality requests information regarding your facility’s maintenance plans/procedures to ensure the proper function of your post-construction BMPs.

Residential

Can I wash vehicles at a residence?
Residential washing of vehicles at a residence is an allowable discharge under Clark County Code 24.40.  Use the minimum amount of biodegradable soap and direct dirty water to landscaped areas where possible to prevent water from reaching the street. See Use a Commercial Car Wash Flyer for more information.
How can I drain my swimming pool/spa?
Residential homes connected to Clark County sanitary sewer should direct swimming pool/spa water into the home’s sewer cleanout. The cleanout is usually located in the front yard, close to the sewer line. An “S” on the front curb usually marks where the sewer line connects to the home. If the home is on a septic tank, de-chlorinate the pool water and discharge it to the gutter, taking care not to cause any downstream nuisance issues. See Proper Disposal of Pool and Spa Water Flyer for more information.
Can I perform cleaning activities in the street gutter?
Do not perform cleaning activities in the street as the water does not receive treatment. Such activities should occur in indoor or outdoor sinks with an established sanitary sewer connection and in accordance with sewer discharge regulations. Please be aware that certain household chemicals have special handling and disposal requirements. See Household Hazardous Waste Guide for more information.
Where can I dispose of Household Hazardous Waste?
Please see the Household Hazardous Waste Guide for a list of facilities.

How Do I?

How do I report illicit discharges or polluted runoff?
To report illicit discharges, call the Water Quality Hotline, (702) 668-8674, or complete the Report a Violation online form.
How do I schedule a classroom stormwater presentation or training presentation?
Please submit your scheduling request by contacting the Water Quality Team.

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