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Stormwater Quality Management
Updated December 2023 – As leaves fall, the City of East Chicago would like to request assistance from its residents in keeping all storm drains clear of leaf litter. Proper disposal of fallen leaves is vital for the health of our storm drain systems.
Information on The City's Bagless Leaf Collection Program can be found by clicking here.
NOVEMBER 16TH IS NATIONAL STORMWATER DAY!
November 16th marks the 33rd birthday of the NPDES Phase I Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) program, making this a major day in the stormwater sector.
Since 1990, thousands of communities, along with qualifying institutions and other entities, have developed MS4 programs and implemented millions of stormwater control measures collectively to address urban runoff pollution.
For more information, and to learn how you can help, click here.
Compost Your Leaves
If you are looking for a more sustainable alternative to standard leaf pickup, the fall is the perfect time to start a compost bin. Not only is this option better for the environment, reducing waste, emissions, and energy costs, but it is also a great way to start creating nutrient-rich fertilizer to be used in the spring.
Find information on composting by clicking here.
Report Stormwater Quality Concerns
If you have any stormwater related questions, concerns, or observations, such as:
- A question about what should or should not be entering the storm drain
- A concern about a plugged up storm drain
- An observation of someone pouring substances down the storm drain
Please do not hesitate to immediately report to the East Chicago Stormwater Department by dialing 219.391.8466.
Flood Prevention Video
Stormwater Education
Stormwater Strategies: Housekeeping
Sewer Debris PSA
Liquid Assets Movie
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Find us at special events or email our stormwater inspector at jcarrillo@eastchicago.com for information on how to obtain some of our free stormwater promotional items, pictured below!
- Why is stormwater management important to our community?
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Stormwater management is directly related to our water quality, and water quality affects us all. Managing stormwater properly protects wildlife, maintains a healthy environment around us, and ensures quality drinking water.
- What can you do to help prevent stormwater runoff pollution?
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- Check your car for leaks and recycle your motor oil
- Compost your yard waste
- Direct downspouts away from paved surfaces; consider a rain garden to capture rainwater
- Have your septic tank pumped and inspected regularly
- Keep all litter off the street and place it in receptacles so that it does not get washed or blown down storm drains
- Never dump anything down storm drains or in streams
- Pick up after your pet
- Untreated pet waste can cause significant water pollution
- When it rains, pet waste left on lawns can be washed into storm drains that lead to nearby lakes and streams
- Recycle product containers made of glass, plastic and aluminum
- Service your car regularly to prevent gasoline, oil, brake and transmission fluids, and anti-freeze from leaking onto the pavement and washing into our streams
- Take your car to the car wash instead of washing it in the street or driveway street or driveway
- Use absorbent materials like kitty litter or toweling to soak up any spills, then sweep up and dispose of these items properly - never dilute spills with water
- Use fertilizers sparingly and sweep up driveways, sidewalks, and gutters
- Use least toxic pesticides, follow labels, and learn how to prevent pest problems
- Vegetate bare spots in your yard
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Julia Carrillo
Stormwater Inspector
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Storm Water - Sanitary District
Physical Address
5201 Indianapolis Blvd
East Chicago, IN 46312
Emergency Phone: (219) 391-8466