Frequently Asked Questions

Stormwater is the surface runoff of rain and snow melt. In undeveloped areas, such as forests and grassy areas, the surface flow of water is slowed by vegetation, allowing much of it to seep into the ground. Developed areas reduce this natural seepage by covering the area with building and impervious surfaces such as parking lots, decreasing the surface area of soil and vegetation. This results in increased amounts and faster flows of storm water runoff. Storm water drainage systems become necessary to prevent flooding.

Stormwater management is the process of controlling and processing runoff so it does not harm the environment or human health. Stormwater management is a tool used to prevent water pollution.

Point source is any discernible, confined and discrete conveyance, such as a pipe or channel used to discharge wastewater. Point sources are usually associated with a particular facility where the discharge can be traced directly back to the point of discharge. Nonpoint source is just the opposite. It could come from anywhere or everywhere. Stormwater runoff is one example of nonpoint source pollution. Stormwater runoff flows across yards, streets, parking lots, etc. picking up pollutants and depositing them in local waterways and lakes.

Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) is any system where the stormwater is conveyed separately from the sanitary sewer system. A great variety of natural and manmade structures and land forms are used to construct an MS4. These may include inlets, pipes, earth berms and ditches, box culverts and catch basins, grass or concrete channels and culverts under roadways. All or any of these may be used to carry stormwater out of urban areas.

Receiving Water Sources

The City of Moberly covers approximately 12 square miles. Several creeks and their tributaries flow through the area. There are four major receiving streams that receive the stormwater.  These are Coon Creek and its tributaries, Sweet Springs Creek and its tributaries, Sugar Creek and its tributaries and the Elk Fork of the Salt River.

Southeast

The stormwater generated in the southeastern part of the city, areas east of the Norfolk Southern Railroad and the area south of Sinnock Avenue, flow into the tributaries of Coon Creek. It then enters Coon Creek and is carried to the Elk Fork of the Salt River in Monroe County where it eventually enters Mark Twain Lake.

Northeast

Stormwater from the northeastern part of the City limits flows into the Elk Fork of the Salt River. This includes areas east of the Norfolk Southern Railroad and the areas north of Sinnock Avenue.

Northwest

The northwestern part of the City flows into Sugar Creek, Sugar Creek Lake and their tributaries. This is the area west of Highway 63 and the Norfolk Southern Railroad and north of route EE.

Southwest

Stormwater from the southwestern side of Moberly, areas west of the Norfolk Southern Railroad and south of Route EE, flows into Sweet Springs Creek. Sweet Springs Creek enters the Middle Fork of the Chariton River southeast of Clifton Hill. The various branches of the Chariton River empty into the Missouri River.

Please email City Staff with any further inquiries that you may have.