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1. Why manage stormwater?

Without proper stormwater management, rain events may result in flooding on roads and properties throughout the Village, leading to property damage and dangerous road conditions. Stormwater run-off must be channeled through a system of pipes, ditches, catch basins and storm drains before being safely discharged into local streams and rivers. Even if a specific property has never flooded, the stormwater that flows from the property still contributes to the overall flow and must be managed so that it does not cause flooding downstream on property or roads.

2. What is an “impervious area”?

An impervious area is any area within a parcel which prevents or significantly impedes the infiltration of stormwater into the soil. Examples of impervious surfaces include: Parking lots, Roofs, Driveways, Patios, Sidewalks, Swimming Pools, and Gravel and stone areas. As pervious areas (natural soil) become "paved", increased amounts of stormwater are generated, placing an increased demand on the stormwater system.

3. What is the difference between the stormwater system and sanitary sewer system?

Water flowing through the sanitary sewer system is transported through a dedicated collection system and treated before being released back into the environment. Stormwater flows from surfaces; off roof tops, streets, parking lots, etc. and is absorbed into the ground or conveyed by ditches and storm sewer to ponds and streams. Stormwater is not treated before it is released or absorbed back into the environment.

The Village's Sanitary Sewer System is owned, managed and maintained by the Flagg Creek Water Reclamation District.

4. Why should I care about stormwater?

Any property is likely to generate run-off in a severe rain storm, even if the ground is able to absorb water in a normal rain event. Everyone in the community benefits from adequate, properly functioning drainage and flood control systems, which decrease the likelihood of flooding, erosion, and the amount of pollutants discharged in surface and stormwater run-off.

5. How is stormwater regulated?

The Village stormwater system is regulated by local, county, state and federal entities. The Village is required to manage the stormwater system at a level that ensures compliance with the federal Clean Water Act and in accordance with DuPage County stormwater regulations.

6. What is the Village doing to address stormwater?

Ongoing maintenance operations include inspecting and cleaning of stormwater inlets, ditch repair and the repair and replacement of stormwater mains. In addition, the Village has commissioned several studies and reviews to help assess the condition of the existing stormwater system and to prioritize the work. These continue to provide the framework for stormwater maintenance and improvement projects.

7. How can I better manage stormwater run-off at home.

By adding stormwater control features (PCBMP) to your property, you help reduce the amount of stormwater flowing into the Village's stormwater system and onto your neighbor's property. You also help the environment by improving the quality of the runoff that reaches our waterways.

8. What is a Post Construction Best Management Practices (PCBMP)?

Village code requires property owners provide water quality and stormwater control features (PCBMP) any time new construction or additions to structures result in more than 300 square
feet of net new impervious area. Property owners can meet the requirements by adding features such as rain gardens or dry wells.

More information about the PCBMP program can be found at www.clarendonhills.us/pcbmp.