The Village is mandated, by a general permit through the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, to identify and eliminate point sources of pollutants entering the storm sewer system and thereby prevent those sources from being transported to freshwater sources such as Lake Michigan and the North Branch of the Chicago River.
Soil erosion control measures are required on all construction projects to reduce and eliminate silt from entering the storm sewer system. Any questions on this effort or concerns regarding a potential pollutant may be directed to the Public Works Department. Any potential source will be investigated and corrective measures taken based on the extent of the problem.
Storm Water Management
Storm water is a product of precipitation – either rainfall or snow melt. Excess precipitation that is not soaked into the ground runs off through private and public property into storm sewers, ditches, ravines and ultimately into lakes and rivers. Storm water that is absorbed into the ground moves laterally in the form of groundwater. In developed land areas, impervious surfaces (roofs, patios, driveways and street pavement) do not permit any absorption, so precipitation runs off into the storm sewer drainage system. Saturated or frozen soil conditions will also result in run-off during heavy rainfall events.

STORMWATER FLOODING
If you experience clearwater basement flooding, report the incident via the Village's Report a Concern Portal.
Examples of clearwater flooding include:
The storm sewer system collects and discharges rainwater runoff from streets and allowable home connections to natural drainage areas. Gutters and downspouts, sump pumps, yard drainage systems, and street inlets are all water sources that enter the storm sewer system.

Storm sewers within the Village drain water to one of two final discharge points: Lake Michigan or the North Branch of the Chicago River. Residents are reminded that waters collected via the storm sewer system are directly discharged back into the environment without any treatment. The direct disposal of waste products (paint, oils, pet waste, etc) into the storm sewer system is strictly prohibited!
If you witness the improper disposal of waste into the storm sewer system, report the incident via the Village's Report a Concern Portal
If you witness the improper disposal of waste into the storm sewer system, report the incident via the Village's Report a Concern Portal

STORMWATER FLOODING
If you experience clearwater basement flooding, report the incident via the Village's Report a Concern Portal.
Examples of clearwater flooding include:
- Seepage (through cracks in basement walls or floor)
- Water entering the home through a window well
- Water entering the home under an exterior basement door
- Water entering the garage under a garage door