Frequently Asked Questions

Stormwater is rainwater that collects on our rooftops, parking lots, road ways and other impervious (hard) surfaces. This water flows into the storm drainage system to our local rivers and streams untreated. As stormwater flows along, it picks up harmful pollutants (such as automotive fluids, trash, pet waste, fertilizers, and pesticides) which can harm our drinking water and the wildlife that live in and near our rivers and streams.

Non‐point source (NPS) pollution refers to water pollution from diffuse sources. Non‐point source water pollution affects a water body from sources such as polluted runoff from agricultural areas draining into a river, or wind‐borne debris blowing out to sea. Although these pollutants have originated from a point source, the long‐range transportability and multiple sources of the pollutant make it a non‐point source of pollution. Non‐point source pollution can be contrasted with point source pollution, where discharges occur to a body of water or into the atmosphere at a single location.

Nutrients can enter stormwater in a variety of ways, including activities from landscaping, leaks from sanitary sewers and septic systems, and animal wastes.

No. Stormwater does not get treated at the waste water treatment plant. Stormwater flows untreated to our local rivers and streams.

Any hard or disturbed surfaced area that either prevents or slows down the natural entry of water into the soil. Rooftops, buildings, streets, parking lots, sidewalks, asphalt, concrete, other paving, driveways, compacted gravel, patios, artificial turf and storage areas are all examples of impervious surfaces. These improvements affect natural infiltration, create more runoff, increase the rate of runoff and alter runoff patterns of stormwater that drains from an area.

Polluted stormwater runoff is the number one cause of water pollution in Mississippi. Stormwater is not treated before it enters our waterways. This pollution creates numerous costs to the public and wildlife. 

Polluted water can also hurt wildlife that lives in and around creeks, streams and rivers. Soil erosion covers up fish habitats, fertilizers can cause algae to grow, and oil and chemicals can make fish and animals sick. Having pollutants entering our waterways not only hurts our drinking water, but also harms our environment as well.

The amount or quantity of stormwater is also a problem. When rain water falls on hard surfaces, such as parking lots and roads, it cannot seep into the ground. It runs off to lower areas. This water runoff can cause flooding if there is not adequate drainage to safely carry the water from these hard surfaces to rivers, lakes and streams. Flooding can cause damage to yards, buildings, and vehicles. Flooding can also lead to health hazards, such as mold and disease.

Stormwater is managed by using “Best Management Practices” or BMPs. BMPs are designed to help keep pollutants out of runoff and slow down high volumes of runoff. However, preventing pollution from entering waterways is much more affordable than cleaning it up afterwards. This is the basis of our public education program, and is one of the BMPs that are used.

There are also laws that require people and businesses that disturb the soil to take steps to prevent erosion, as well as laws that make dumping materials into waterways illegal. There are laws about litter, picking up after pets, and dumping materials into storm drains that also help to prevent pollution.

Environmental regulations from the Environmental Protection Agency and Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality require that new developments use BMP’s to control the runoff rate, so that it is not more than before development began. This can be done using a variety of ways, from detention ponds to underground filtration units. Our ordinance also states the requirements and that new development must manage and control stormwater.

We can find a lot of different pollutants in the storm drainage system, including: paint thinner, paint, used motor oil, antifreeze, pesticides and fertilizers, sediments containing heavy metals, paper trash and bottles, human and animal feces, dead animals, and food wrappers.

How much is the Stormwater permitting fee? $100/ac

How much is the re-inspection fee? $100

Can I pay the fees online?  Yes click here

Who do I make the check out to?  DeSoto County Stormwater

Where do I mail the check?

DeSoto County

Dept of Road Management & Engineering

c/o Mrs. Cathy Barham

2373 Gwynn Rd

Nesbit, MS 38651

I need to file a stormwmater complaint. Fill out the following Drainage Complaint Form.

I need to speak to the Stormwater Manager.  Contact Road Manager Robert Jarman at 662.469.8730

I need help obtaining a permit.  Contact Civil Engineer Scott Young 662.469.8736

I need to know the status of a permit.  Contact Stormwater Coordinator Cathy Barham at 662.469.8731

I need a stormwater inspection.  Contact Lead Drainage Inspector Coby Ayers at 662.469.8747

I need a driveway culvert inspection.  Contact Surveyor Jack Etheridge at 662.469.8739

What is the Stormwater Hotline? 662.429.8025

What is considered normal business office hours? 7:00 am ‐3:30 pm Monday‐Friday