Meridian Service Metropolitan District (District) provides water, wastewater and stormwater services to the Meridian Ranch community. The operation of the extensive utility infrastructure is monitored around the clock and scheduled maintenance helps provide uninterrupted service to our customers.

The District maintains three stormwater detention ponds that are connected by a series of waterways that provide water erosion control in natural drainage areas in the community.

During periods of unusually high rainfall, debris is often dislodged and captured in the detention ponds. Ongoing maintenance by the District staff keeps the detention ponds clear of obstructions. All other storm drain culverts and pipelines are maintained by El Paso County. Specific drainage improvements within individual parcels are designed and installed by individual developers.

Stormwater runoff occurs when rain or snowmelt is not absorbed and flows over the ground. As stormwater flows over driveways, lawns, and sidewalks, it picks up debris, chemicals and other pollutants. When stormwater flows into a storm drain, or sewer system, it enters our creeks, streams, rivers, lakes and reservoirs. Any pollution that enters a storm drain is discharged, untreated, into the water we use for fishing, swimming, and even for drinking. Plants, fish, animals and people are all affected by polluted stormwater. Imagine thousands of people dropping cigarette butts on the street, sweeping dirt off their driveways or washing detergent off their cars and down the storm drain. It ALL ends up in our water.

What You Can Do

Auto Care

• Use a commercial car wash to minimize the amount of grease, dirt, and soapy water that flows into the storm drain. Remember, this pollution makes its way into local bodies of water.
• Check your vehicle for leaks and spills. Make repairs as quickly as possible and be sure to properly clean up any fluids with absorbent materials. Don’t rinse the spills into the nearby street.
• Properly dispose of automotive fluids and recycle motor oil. Utilize county chemical roundups for disposal of dangerous chemicals and fluids.

Home Care & Repair

• Locate the nearest storm drains and protect them from debris before starting a project.
• Immediately sweep up any remaining construction debris such as concrete or sawdust.
• Purchase nontoxic, biodegradable material whenever possible.
• Clean paintbrushes in a sink, not outdoors. Properly dispose of excess paints or paint thinner through a county chemical roundup or other hazardous waste collection program.
• Direct downspouts away from any paved surfaces such as sidewalks and streets.

Lawn Care

• Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly, or, at the very least, do not exceed recommended amounts. Avoid application when rain is expected as this could send chemicals into local bodies of water. Sweep up any excess fertilizer from streets and sidewalks.
• Select native plants that are drought tolerant and pest-resistant. Native plants will require less water, fertilizer, and pesticides.
• Sweep yard debris into the trash to avoid washing these materials down the storm drain.
• Compost or recycle yard waste whenever possible.
• Don’t over water your lawn, since runoff water leads straight to the storm drain.
• Cover any large piles of dirt or mulch during landscape projects and don’t have them delivered into the street or on sidewalks.

Pet Care

• When walking your pet, remember to pick up their waste and dispose of it properly. Leaving pet waste on the ground increases public health risks. Pet waste can send harmful bacteria into the storm drain and eventually into our lakes, rivers, and streams.