Stormwater & Water Quality (MS4 Program)

Protecting Our Waterways Together

The Village of Bolingbrook Public Works Department is committed to protecting local waterways through responsible stormwater management, environmental stewardship, and compliance with state and federal regulations.

Stormwater runoff occurs whenever rain or snowmelt flows over streets, parking lots, rooftops, sidewalks, and other hard surfaces instead of soaking into the ground. As stormwater travels across these surfaces, it can pick up pollutants such as oil, fertilizers, trash, chemicals, pet waste, grass clippings, and sediment before flowing directly into local streams and rivers.

Because stormwater is not treated before entering natural waterways, protecting water quality is a shared responsibility between the Village and the community.

What Is the MS4 Program?

MS4 stands for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System.

The Village's storm sewer system is separate from the sanitary sewer system and is designed to collect and convey stormwater runoff from roads, neighborhoods, parks, and commercial areas.

Unlike wastewater, stormwater generally flows directly into local waterways without treatment. The Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Program helps communities reduce pollution and improve water quality through education, maintenance, and environmental best management practices.

The Village of Bolingbrook operates under an Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) General NPDES Permit and implements a comprehensive Stormwater Management Program to meet federal and state environmental requirements.

Clean Water Act & NPDES Program

The Clean Water Act established the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Stormwater Program to help reduce pollutants entering rivers, lakes, streams, and other waters of the United States.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) administers this program within Illinois and requires municipalities such as the Village of Bolingbrook to implement stormwater management practices that protect local waterways and improve water quality.

As part of these requirements, the Village operates under an MS4 Permit and implements a variety of Best Management Practices (BMPs) throughout the community.

The Six Minimum Control Measures

The Village's Stormwater Management Program focuses on six required program elements established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and administered by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA).

Public Education & Outreach

Providing educational information that helps residents understand stormwater pollution and how everyday activities affect local waterways.

Examples include:

• Educational materials
• Website resources
• Community outreach
• Public awareness campaigns

Public Participation & Involvement

Encouraging residents to participate in programs that improve and protect the environment.

Examples include:

• Community cleanup events
• Volunteer programs
• Watershed activities
• Public meetings

Illicit Discharge Detection & Elimination

Identifying and eliminating illegal discharges into the storm sewer system.

Examples include:

• Oil spills
• Chemical dumping
• Illegal sanitary sewer connections
• Improper disposal of wastewater

Residents should immediately report suspected illicit discharges to Public Works.

Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control

Working with developers and contractors to reduce erosion and sediment runoff from active construction sites through approved erosion control measures.

Post-Construction Stormwater Management

Ensuring new developments include long-term stormwater management features that reduce flooding and protect water quality after construction is complete.

Pollution Prevention & Good Housekeeping

Implementing best management practices during Village operations to reduce pollution entering the storm sewer system.

Examples include:

• Street sweeping
• Catch basin cleaning
• Spill prevention
• Equipment maintenance
• Proper material storage
• Employee training

 

How Residents Can Help Protect Water Quality

Every resident can make a difference.

Simple actions include:

✔ Keep leaves and grass clippings out of streets.

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

✔ Pick up pet waste.

✔ Use fertilizers and pesticides responsibly.

✔ Report illegal dumping or spills.

✔ Help keep catch basins free of debris.

✔ Participate in community cleanup events.

Watershed Resources

The Village participates in regional watershed programs that promote clean water and environmental stewardship.

Additional Resources

Lower DuPage River Watershed Coalition

Regional partnership dedicated to improving water quality throughout the Lower DuPage River Watershed.

DuPage River Salt Creek Workshop

Educational information, environmental programs, and watershed initiatives that support clean water throughout northeastern Illinois.

IEPA Annual Reports

View the Village's Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Annual Reports and related environmental documents.

Helpful Resources

For additional information about stormwater management:

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – Stormwater Discharges from Municipal Sources
  
• Illinois Environmental Protection Agency – MS4 Program

Report an Environmental Concern

Residents are encouraged to report:

• Illegal dumping
• Oil or chemical spills
• Polluted stormwater runoff
• Blocked storm drains
• Water quality concerns
• Other environmental issues affecting the Village's stormwater system

Protecting Our Future

Protecting water quality is a shared responsibility. Through responsible operations, infrastructure maintenance, environmental programs, and partnerships with our residents, the Village of Bolingbrook continues working to reduce pollution, improve stormwater quality, and protect our local waterways for future generations.