Stormwater Quality

After it rains, the streets look cleaner -- and that's a problem. Stormwater rushing over our roofs, lawns, driveways, streets, and sidewalks picks up pollutants such as oil, pesticides, fertilizers, sediment, and animal waste. These pollutants wash untreated, either directly or via a storm sewer, into our local creeks, streams, and rivers.

Stormwater Pollution Prevention and Management Program

The Clean Water Act, enforced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program, was designed to control water pollution throughout the United States. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is tasked on the state level to enforce the EPA regulations through a permitting process. Under the program, the City of Dubuque is required to hold and maintain a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit.

To comply with federal regulations, the City is required to implement a stormwater management program containing six minimum control measures. These requirements include:

• Public education and outreach on stormwater impacts
• Public involvement and participation
• Illicit discharge detection and elimination
• Construction site stormwater runoff control
• Post-construction stormwater management
• Pollution prevention and good housekeeping

You Can Make a Difference

Keep Polluted Water Out of Streams

Everyday activities often cover impervious surfaces with a coating of various harmful materials. Pesticides, fertilizers, oil, grease, pathogens, excess nutrients, and trash are common stormwater pollutants. There are simple ways to prevent stormwater pollution around your home including proper disposal of trash, yard waste, paint, and household chemicals; picking up pet waste; and proper construction and automotive maintenance practices. Learn what you can do to protect our waterways!