Odessa, TX Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- City Code § 13-7-3
- Enforcing agency
- Director of Development
- Enforcement tool
- Water/sewer/MS4 service suspension
- Exceptions
- 14 narrow affirmative defenses allowed
- Adopted
- Ordinance 2010-26, August 24, 2010
Summary
Odessa bars dumping anything but stormwater into its municipal storm drain system, making it a criminal offense to introduce sewage, chemicals, or wash water into the MS4 without a qualifying exception.
A person commits an offense if the person introduces or causes to be introduced into the MS4 any discharge that is not composed entirely of stormwater.
Full Breakdown
City of Odessa Code § 13-7-3 makes it an offense to introduce or cause to be introduced into the municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) any discharge that is not composed entirely of stormwater. The director of development administers and enforces the rule. Fourteen narrow affirmative defenses cover things like fire hydrant flushing, potable-water leaks, foundation-drain water, and uncontaminated car washing, but the defense disappears once the director identifies the discharge as a pollutant source and gives written notice to stop it. The city can also suspend water, sewer, or MS4 access to stop an ongoing violation under § 13-7-6.
Violations & Fines
Introducing anything but stormwater into a storm drain is a criminal offense; the city can also suspend water, sewer, or MS4 access to force compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Odessa penalize a discharge into a storm drain?
Are any discharges into the storm drain allowed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Odessa
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Odessa to another location·View the Texas environmental rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.