Stormwater Management

Stormwater Pollution

Polluted storm water runoff is often transported to municipal storm sewer systems (MS4's) and ultimately discharge into rivers and streams without treatment. The Environmental Protection Agency's Stormwater Phase II Rule establishes a Stormwater management program that is intended to improve the Nation's waterways by reducing the quantity of pollutants that Stormwater picks up and carries into storm sewer systems during storm events. Common pollutants include oil and grease from roadways, pesticides from lawns, sediment from construction sites, and carelessly discarded trash, such as cigarette butts, paper wrappers, and plastic bottles. When deposited into nearby waterways through MS4 discharges, these pollutants can impair the waterways, thereby discouraging recreational use of the resource, contaminating drinking water supplies, and interfering with the habitat for fish, other aquatic organisms, and wildlife.

Storm Sewers

Please do not pour antifreeze, fertilizer, paint or used motor oil, or dispose of pet waste, cigarette butts or litter down storm drains. Anything dumped in the street winds up in our waterways.

Pesticides & Water Quality

What you do around your yard can affect lake water quality. Everything applied to your yard has the potential to contaminate the water that runs off the land and into our local lakes. On the other hand, carefully planned landscaping and sensible lawn care can reduce the need for lawn chemicals and protect water quality.

When selecting plants for your landscape, try to select a wide variety of pest-resistant native plants that can naturally defend themselves or other plants. The more native plants in your yard, the more healthy habitats you'll have for birds and other wildlife that can provide natural enemies for pests in your garden. Most plants can tolerate a considerable amount of insect feeding without suffering serious damage. If you decide you must use a pesticide, consider the following information:

  • Always read the label carefully before handling any pesticide. The label is your guide to the safe handling and proper use of the pesticide you will be using.
  • Make sure the pesticide is meant for the pest you need to control.
  • Never apply pesticides near wells, surface waters, or wetlands unless the label specifically allows for such applications.
  • Do not apply pesticides if rain is in the forecast unless specified on the label. Some pesticides need to be watered-in, but others will be washed off, decreasing their effectiveness and contaminating lakes and streams.
  • Never apply pesticides to bare ground. The runoff water will carry pesticides with it.
  • Never spray pesticides on a windy day. Wind will carry the pesticides away and may accidentally impact helpful insects, birds, or other wildlife.
  • Always keep pesticides in their original containers. Store pesticides in a well-ventilated dry & cool area safely away from children and pets.
  • In the event of a small pesticide spill, do not hose down the area with water. Wearing rubber gloves, sprinkle absorbent material (e.g., sawdust or kitty litter) over the spill, move the material into a strong plastic bag, close tightly, and store in a safe place until it can be transferred to a hazardous waste collection site.
  • Contact the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO) to dispose of extra or old pesticides. SWALCO currently operates a long-term household chemical waste collection program. Information and collection schedule can be found on the SWALCO web site www.swalco.org or by calling 847-336-9340.

Phosphorous Free Fertilizer

The Village prohibits the use of fertilizers that contain phosphorus. Phos­phorus causes unwanted biological growth, which can degrade the quality of our lakes and streams.

Pet Waste

Pet waste is one of the many sources of pollution in our lakes and streams. Storm sewers directly feed into our lakes and streams with no water treatment. Pollutants from pet waste may be washed into storm sewers by rain or melting snow.

When pet waste is washed into water bodies, it causes several problems. Pet waste lowers oxygen levels and releases ammonia. When combined with warm temperatures, these conditions can kill fish. Pet waste contains nutrients that encourage weed and algae growth. Water with excessive nutrients becomes cloudy and green. Pet waste also carries diseases that make water unsafe for swimming.

Pet owners can take simple steps to help prevent this pollution. Pet owners should properly dispose of the waste in one of three ways. It can be flushed down the toilet if it is free from debris such as rocks, sticks or cat litter. It can be buried in the yard in a location away from vegetable gardens, lakes, streams, ditches, or wells. It can also be put in the trash. As required by Village Code, animal waste on any public grounds must be immediately removed. Help us keep our lakes and streams clean by removing and properly disposing of your pet waste.

General Stormwater Management Information

EPA NPDES Stormwater Program

Green Infrastructure Cost/Benefit

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA)

SWALCO's Household Chemical Waste Collection Events  

Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) 

Lake County Municipal Advisory Committee  

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