At Trackless Vehicles, we build equipment to help municipalities stay ahead of the elements, including stormwater. Every time it rains or snow begins to melt, all that water needs somewhere to go. It flows across roads, sidewalks, and parking lots, often picking up dirt, debris, oil, and more along the way. This runoff doesn’t just vanish; it enters drains, waterways, and retention systems that can become overloaded or polluted if left unchecked.

Why Stormwater Management Matters

Stormwater management is about more than just drainage. Without proper systems in place, communities face two major problems: flooding and pollution. Even neighbourhoods with a low flood risk aren’t off the hook. In fact, more than 20% of flood insurance claims come from these areas, showing just how widespread the risk really is.

Stormwater can also carry a mix of harmful pollutants, from metal particles to oil residue to bacteria, directly into local rivers, lakes, and water supplies.

What Communities Can Do

There are two main approaches to stormwater control: green and gray infrastructure. Green solutions use nature to do the work, like planting trees, building rain gardens, or installing permeable pavement that lets water soak into the ground. Cities like New York are using trees and greenery along curbs to help absorb runoff before it becomes a problem.

Gray infrastructure, on the other hand, relies on engineered systems like catch basins and storm drains. These systems need regular maintenance to stay effective, and that’s where sweeping plays a major role.

Street Sweeping: A First Line of Defence

One of the most efficient ways to reduce stormwater pollution is to stop contaminants before they ever reach the drain. A University of Florida study found that street sweeping is the most cost-effective method for removing particulate pollution from streets. Sweeping before rainfall ensures less debris is washed into waterways, helping prevent both clogs and contamination.

Above: A Trackless MT7 and Pickup Sweeper attachment clean debris from a sidewalk.

Trackless Sweepers to the Rescue

We offer two sweeping attachments designed specifically to support municipal stormwater strategies:

  • Power Angle Sweeper – Ideal for fast, high-volume cleanup of dirt, leaves, and loose materials. This sweeper is available in 6 different widths (3′ to 8′ wide), which makes it ideal for a variety of uses.

  • Pickup Sweeper – This sweeper collects debris, making it an ideal solution for sweeping near high-traffic areas.

Both sweepers mount to the front of the MT7, offering year-round versatility for everything from spring cleanup to pre-rain prep.

Cleaner Streets = Cleaner Water

Effective stormwater management protects roads, waterways, and communities. Regular sweeping reduces the burden on drainage systems, minimizes flooding, and keeps harmful pollutants out of local ecosystems.

Ready to take a step towards cleaner streets and cleaner water? Get in touch with your local Trackless dealer to book a demo or to add a sweeper to your Trackless fleet!