Southeast Metro Stormwater Authority

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Southeast Metro Stormwater Authority

Since 2006, SEMSWA has provided stormwater management services for drainage and flood control facili

01/06/2026

Construction continued over the past few weeks as SEMSWA’s campus turf conversion project moves from initial earthwork into key stormwater improvements.

You'll notice that the first video (4/9) shows our preexisting concrete trickle channel, which has since been de-constructed and removed— this design change is an important step to help restore infiltration through the landscape rather than routing flows through a hardened feature.

In the second video (5/13), the site has been cut and fine graded, with most existing material exported, and you can also see the new concrete cross pans installed in SEMSWA's parking lot on the south and west sides of the swale. These features are designed to direct runoff into the swale, maximizing the amount of stormwater that can be slowed, filtered, and treated onsite.

Next, crews will place approximately 8 inches of amended topsoil within the swale to support healthy vegetation establishment—setting the stage for native, water‑wise planting in the coming phase.

We’ll continue sharing updates as the project progresses from construction to restoration and planting.

29/05/2026

Do you have a detention pond in your neighborhood?

Although they may be subtle in appearance, detention ponds, also known as Extended Detention Basins or “EDBs” serve a vital function managing stormwater within our communities. EDBs are one of the most common stormwater control measures used to reduce flooding and remove pollutants before entering a local stream. In order to ensure their proper function, EDBs should be maintained regularly to prevent trash, overgrown vegetation or weeds, and sediment buildup. And if there is one key tip for minimizing maintenance costs on your EDB, it’s this: be proactive!

If you’d like to learn more about how to maintain your EDB or another stormwater control measure, come visit our website at www.semswa.org where we have lots of helpful resources for maintaining your facility. Or, give us a call at 303-858-8844.

21/05/2026

As you're outside enjoying the spring weather, keep in mind that our waterways rely on proper management of storm drain systems. Storm sewer pipes and inlets also keep you safe, not only in your neighborhood, but also the places where you shop, work, recreate or travel. Your quality of life, the value of your property and the health of the environment are related to how well storm drain systems are maintained. Without timely and adequate maintenance of the system and consistent upgrading and construction of new facilities, streets can become flooded and impassable after heavy rainfall. That's why SEMSWA is here to protect life, property, and our natural floodplains. Learn more at www.semswa.org.

18/05/2026

🚨 Cherry Creek Trail Advisory 🚨

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will conduct the annual Cherry Creek Dam sediment flush on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from approximately 9:00 AM–2:00 PM.

What to know:

Higher‑than‑normal creek flows are expected
Bike paths and stream crossings may flood
Do NOT attempt to cross the creek during this time

⏱️ High flows can take up to 6 hours to reach the Champa Street Bridge, so downstream trails may be impacted into the evening.
Please plan ahead and stay safe. ⚠️The annual flushing of sediment from the Cherry Creek Dam’s five main outlet gates helps to ensure that the gates can operate reliably during future flood events, and helps reduce downstream flood risk to people and property in the Denver metropolitan area. The flooding is expected to recede throughout the day. If you encounter any flood areas near Cherry Creek today, please remember to turn around and don’t drown!

04/05/2026

Flood waters are dangerous and unpredictable. Most flood fatalities occur in vehicles, and only 12 inches of water can sweep a car off the road. If you encounter flood waters, remember to turn around, don't drown!

01/05/2026

Working on your lawn this weekend? Read your fertilizer label and choose phosphorus free. Our lakes and rivers will thank you. Learn more at smartstormwater.com

30/04/2026

SEMSWA is a partner in the development of a new outfall system plan (OSP) to evaluate stormwater flows in the Four Square Mile Project Study Area. An outfall systems plan is a plan that reviews existing stormwater infrastructure, evaluates flood risks, and identifies improvements to reduce risks.

As we continue our study, we want to build public understanding by hosting the Family Fun Free Days event on May 29th and 30th at Historic Four Mile Park. Learn more on our project website: https://engage-mbakerintl.com/4sq-mile

16/04/2026

Goodbye thirsty turf—hello water-wise AND water-quality-friendly landscaping.
Construction started earlier this week on SEMSWA’s campus turf replacement project—converting traditional turf into a low-water, stormwater-friendly landscape.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll share updates as we move through construction, restoration, and planting—and show how this project is designed to:

• slow & filter stormwater runoff
• reduce nutrient pollution
• decrease irrigation and maintenance
• protect local streams

This conversion replaces ~20,000 sq ft of Kentucky bluegrass with native grasses, water‑wise plants, and xeric shrub beds, plus a runoff‑reduction water quality swale—so water conservation doesn’t come at the expense of water quality.

We also want to offer a huge thanks to our project partners Muller Engineering, L&M Enterprises, and Valerian, LLC for making this turf conversion possible.

Follow along for progress photos!

14/04/2026

Live in Centennial or unincorporated Arapahoe County? You may be eligible for NFIP flood insurance.
Flood insurance is sold by local agents.
✅ Get a quick quote: https://www.floodsmart.gov/policy-quote/
✅ Check your flood risk: https://msc.fema.gov/portal/search
Questions? Contact SEMSWA through our website.

06/04/2026

The City and County of Denver and the Mile High Flood District, working together with SEMSWA, Arapahoe County, and the City of Aurora, have been studying how water moves through the area, where flooding occurs, and what kinds of improvements are needed to reduce flood risk.

Learn more and share your feedback: https://engage-mbakerintl.com/4sq-mile 🔗

We want to hear from you. Help us identify local flooding concerns by using our interactive map and completing the online survey to share your top priorities for proposed improvements. 💬

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Opening Hours

Monday	08:00 - 16:30
Tuesday	08:00 - 16:30
Wednesday	08:00 - 16:30
Thursday	08:00 - 16:30
Friday	08:00 - 16:30

Website

https://www.semswa.org/

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