Pharr, TX Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Ch. 130, Art. V, Secs. 130-301: 130-319
- Core rule
- Only stormwater may enter storm drains
- Enforcer
- TPDES stormwater manager/inspector
- Adopted by
- Ord. No. O-2011-09, 3-15-11
Summary
Pharr bans dumping anything but rainwater into its storm drains and watercourses, enforcing federal and state stormwater permits under Chapter 130, Article V.
No person shall discharge or cause to be discharged into the municipal storm drain system or watercourses any materials, including but not limited to pollutants or waters containing any pollutants that cause or contribute to a violation of applicable water quality standards, other than stormwater. The commencement, conduct or continuance of any illegal discharge to the storm drain system is prohibited.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 44).
Full Breakdown
Under Chapter 130, Article V of the Pharr Code of Ordinances, no person may discharge or cause to be discharged any pollutant into the city's municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) or watercourses other than stormwater itself. The article, adopted by Ord. No. O-2011-09 to meet TPDES/NPDES permit requirements, also bans illicit physical connections to the storm drain system and requires industrial and construction operators to use Best Management Practices and hold valid TPDES or NPDES permits.
Violations & Fines
The City of Pharr can issue a written notice of violation, suspend a violator's MS4 access, seek injunctive relief, assess remediation and administrative costs as a lien against the property, and refer offenses for prosecution; alternative compensatory actions like storm drain stenciling or cleanup duty may also be imposed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hose wash-water or pool water into the street in Pharr?
Who enforces Pharr's stormwater rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pharr
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Stormwater Management in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Hidalgo County handle stormwater management.