Stormwater Division

The Stormwater Division of the Public Works Department maintains, cleans, and repairs the structures and facilities designed for the collection, conveyance, storage, treatment, and disposal of stormwater runoff and surface water.  The City of Florence recognizes the importance of addressing flooding problems, improving water quality, and protecting the quantity and quality of the aquifer and valuable natural resources, and has created a City-recognized Stormwater Management Plan to guide upgrades and the expansion of the public stormwater conveyance system and related public facilities to meet the area's needs over a 20 year period.

One aspect of our Stormwater Division that is most visible is the Street Sweeper.  Street sweeping is done on Thursdays and Fridays.  Old Town street sweeping is done once per week and then 1/4 of the City is swept each week so that the entire City of Florence's streets are cleaned once a month.  After storms, streets are swept to keep the gutters and drains free from debris and prevent flooding.

The Stormwater Manual outlines the City of Florence's stormwater management requirements.  The requirements defined in the manual apply to all development and redevelopment projects within the City of Florence on both private and public property. Links to these publications can be found below.

What's Happening in the Stormwater Division

Xeriscaping for Water Conservation and Stormwater Management
Xeriscaping (pronounced Zer-i-scape), means "landscaping for water conservation."  Many people think of rocks and cactus when they hear the word, xeriscape, but these outdoor landscapes can be beautiful compliments to the local environment, with plants and features that thrive in the coast climate.  There are seven principles to xeriscaping, and when used together, create a beautiful landscape that conserves water and manages stormwater runoff.