Stormwater / Combined Sewer Information

Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Information

A CSO is the release of untreated waste and stormwater from a combined sewer system directly into a waterway. The release of untreated water occurs in a CSO structure. The Village's combined sewer system contains two overflow structures located along the North Shore Channel. The Village has a program in place to minimize CSOs (PDF). The link provides information on the CSO Operational and Maintenance Plan, Pollution Prevention Plan, and Public Notification Plan.

For more information on combined sewer overflows, please visit the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago's (MWRD) website. The MWRD offers a CSO notification system on their website to alert residents when a CSO has occurred.

Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) Information

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires municipalities that operate a separate storm sewer to obtain a permit for stormwater discharges into local waterways. The majority of the Village utilizes a combined sewer system, however, the northeast corner of the Village contains a separate storm sewer. In order to obtain the permit, the Village follows best practices for stormwater management, aimed at reducing pollutants from entering the storm sewer system. The Village's permit and annual inspection report can be found below. View the September 20, 2018 Committee of the Whole presentation regarding the Village's MS4 permit. The Village is also a member of the North Branch Chicago River Watershed Council, which meets to discuss stormwater management. Information regarding the North Branch Chicago River Watershed Council is available through the following links: