Storm Sewer System

The City of Lakeland has a municipal separate storm sewer system, abbreviated MS4.

This is different than a combined sewer system in that an MS4 only carries stormwater as opposed to both stormwater and wastewater.

A storm drain system consists of:

Street/curb gutters and yard inlets

Stormwater flows into the gutters and inlets and is directed into the pipe system.

Street Gutter
Yard Inlet

Storm drain pipe

Transports the stormwater to the outfall.

Storm Drain Pipe

Outfall

Releases the stormwater into the lake or stream.

Outfall

Detention/retention basins

Holds stormwater from large rain events to prevent an overload to the storm sewer system which would cause flooding.

Detention and Retention Basin

Roadside ditches and drainage ways

Transports stormwater on the surface by ditches and swales.

Drainage Way
Roadside Ditch

The City of Lakeland Storm System

As of 2013, our storm system consists of:

  • 1,111 inlets/catch basins
  • 90 miles of curb and gutter
  • 566 storm sewer manholes
  • 29.75 miles of storm sewer piping
  • 28 outfalls into our 8 streams
  • 2 city-owned/maintained detention basins
  • Numerous roadside ditches and drainageways

Receiving Waters?

All of the conveyances mentioned above eventually drain into various streams, rivers, and lakes.

Loosahatchie River Basin

  • Oliver Creek
  • Scotts Creek/Garner Lake
  • Rocky Branch Creek
  • Clear Creek Canal

Wolf River Basin

  • Fletcher Creek
  • Grays Creek (tributary)
The Drain Is Just for Rain