Water Quality

In recent years, DuPage County has expanded the scope of traditional stormwater management, focusing on water quantity and flood prevention, to include potential water quality improvements in the County's waterways.  Regulatory requirements contained in the permit allowing the County to discharge stormwater into Waters of the State and the County's participation in several watershed organizations have fostered substantial water quality improvements.  While many municipalities and townships endevour to sustain water quality within their borders, many programs are implemented regionally, through partnerships among muncipalities, townships, and DuPage County, so that redundant programs are not required and financial costs are reduced.

Stormwater Permit Programs

DuPage County is permitted to discharge stormwater to Waters of the State through its coverage under Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) Permit No. ILR40, General NPDES Permit for Discharges from Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems.  ILR40 includes six minimum control measures which are to be included in the County's stormwater management program:

1. Public Education and Outreach on Stormwater Impacts;
2. Public Involvement / Participation;
3. Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination;
4. Construction Site Storm Water Runoff Control;
5. Post-Construction Storm Water Management in New Development and Redevelopment; and
6. Pollution Prevention / Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations.

Each of these minimum control measures, as well as the overall Phase II Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permitting program, is summarized by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) through various factsheets.  These  factsheets are publications numbered EPA 833-F-00-001 through EPA 833-F-00-015.

Watershed Activities

There are several organizations that are working to improve water quality within the major watersheds of DuPage County. 

Archives

Information regarding older water quality issues, such as presentations and seminars, can be found here.