Updated December 2025- The Holidays are upon us, and with them, the snow! Please see our winter stormwater tips below for ways to limit residential stormwater pollution this winter!
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.
Compost Your Lawn Waste
If you are looking for a more sustainable alternative to standard lawn clipping pickup, the summer 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.
The stormwater fee is something imposed on all property owners to cover all costs associated with managing stormwater runoff. Every property utilizes the stormwater sewer system to efficiently remove rainwater. The fee you pay is used to care for the storm sewer system to reduce flooding within our City. Some items that this fee helps to fund is
Stormwater runoff is made when rain or snowmelt flows off of land and impervious surfaces, such as rooftops, sidewalks, driveways, lawns, and streets. Stormwater runoff picks up pollutants from the sources it comes into contact with and carries them into our rivers and Lake Michigan. Items such as trash, pet waste, chemicals, and even loose soil can quickly become pollutants when it rains or snows.
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.
