Storm Sewer & Catch Basin Information

 

Understanding the Village's Stormwater System

The Village of Bolingbrook's stormwater system is designed to collect and safely convey rainwater and snowmelt away from streets, neighborhoods, and public property to help reduce flooding and protect public infrastructure.

Stormwater enters the system through catch basins and storm drains located along roadways and is carried through underground storm sewer pipes, culverts, drainage channels, and detention facilities before being discharged into nearby waterways.

Unlike the sanitary sewer system, stormwater is not treated before it enters rivers, streams, or other natural water bodies. Because of this, keeping pollutants out of the storm sewer system is essential to protecting water quality and the environment.

How the Stormwater System Works

Stormwater follows a simple path through the Village's drainage system.

Rainfall or Snowmelt

↓↓↓

Streets, Sidewalks & Parking Lots

↓↓↓

Catch Basins & Storm Drains

↓↓↓

Underground Storm Sewer Pipes

↓↓↓

Culverts & Drainage Channels

↓↓↓

Detention Facilities (where applicable)

↓↓↓

Local Streams & Waterways

What Is a Catch Basin?

A catch basin is the grated structure commonly found along streets and curbs that collects rainwater and directs it into the underground storm sewer system.

Catch basins help:

• Collect stormwater runoff.
• Reduce street flooding.
• Capture leaves, sediment, and debris before they enter storm sewer pipes.
• Improve roadway drainage.

Public Works routinely inspects and cleans catch basins throughout the Village to help maintain proper drainage.

What Is a Storm Sewer?

A storm sewer is an underground pipe system that carries stormwater away from streets and neighborhoods.

The Village's storm sewer system includes:

• Storm sewer pipes
• Catch basins
• Storm drain inlets
• Culverts
• Drainage structures
• Drainage channels
• Stormwater outfalls

These components work together to safely convey stormwater during rainfall and snowmelt events.

How Residents Can Help

Residents play an important role in keeping the stormwater system functioning properly.

You can help by:

✔ Keeping leaves and grass clippings out of streets and storm drains.

✔ Never dumping oil, paint, chemicals, or household waste into storm drains.

✔ Picking up pet waste.

✔ Properly disposing of yard waste.

✔ Reporting blocked catch basins or damaged stormwater infrastructure.

✔ Keeping drainage easements on private property free of obstructions, when applicable.

These simple actions help reduce localized flooding and protect local waterways.

Common Questions

Why is there standing water after a heavy rain?

Some ponding may occur during intense rainfall and typically drains once the storm has passed and the storm sewer system has had time to remove the wat

Why doesn't Public Works remove every leaf before it rains?

Leaves can accumulate rapidly, especially during the fall season. Public Works performs routine street sweeping and catch basin maintenance throughout the year, but residents can help by keeping leaves out of the street near their property.

Can I dump grass clippings or leaves into the street?

No. Grass clippings, leaves, and yard debris can block catch basins and storm drains, increasing the risk of localized flooding and polluting local waterways.

Does every flooding issue mean the storm sewer is blocked?

Not necessarily. During extremely heavy rainfall, the amount of water may temporarily exceed the capacity of the stormwater system. Public Works investigates reported flooding to determine whether maintenance, repairs, or other improvements are needed.

Report a Stormwater Concern

Residents should contact Public Works if they observe:

• Blocked catch basins
• Damaged storm drains
• Flooded streets
• Culvert blockages
• Damaged drainage structures
• Sinkholes near storm sewer infrastructure
• Illegal dumping into storm drains

Did You Know?

Storm drains lead directly to local waterways.

Unlike wastewater from homes and businesses, stormwater is not treated before entering streams and rivers. Everything that enters a storm drain—including oil, chemicals, trash, and other pollutants—can impact water quality and the environment