Stormwater Information for Homeowners

Homeowner Impacts on Water Quality

Even a small plot of land has an impact on stormwater. The hard surfaces on individual lots — such as rooftops and driveways — create runoff that goes into storm drains, retention basins, drainage ditches, and rivers. This runoff can pick up pollutants such as sediment, oils, and animal waste. The increased volume of runoff from these hard surfaces can put a burden on municipal and county stormwater systems. Everything we do on land impacts the watershed we live in.

Illicit discharges and illegal connections to municipal storm drains or county regulated drains can also have a big impact. Local government entities are required to try and find illicit discharges and get them corrected. If you think you may have an illicit discharge, get it fixed now before it becomes a bigger problem.

Funds for Rain Gardens and Rain Barrels

The Stormwater Partnership's Rain Barrel and Rain Garden Incentive Program can help cover the cost of installing rain barrels and rain gardens for Elkhart County residents. To qualify, you must attend a workshop. The next workshop will take place on March 16, 6:30-8:30 pm, at McNaughton Park in Elkhart. For more information or to register, contact Eric Kurtz at eric.kurtz@in.nacdnet.net or 574-533-3630 ext. 3.

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Things You Can Do

Here are some things homeowners can do to reduce runoff and improve water quality:

Maintain Your Septic System
The Elkhart County Health Department can advise homeowners with septic systems on the care and maintenance of their system, as well as installation of new systems. Contact the Environmental Health Services Division at 574-875-3391.

Rain Garden and Rain Barrel Incentive Program
The Greater Elkhart County Stormwater Partnership offers financial and technical assistance to homeowners who want to install rain gardens and rain barrels. Find out more here.
 

Install A Rain Barrel
Collect the rainwater from your roof to prevent pollution and irrigate plants.
 

Fertilize The Lawn, Not The River
When you're fertilizing the lawn, remember you're not just fertilizing the lawn.
 

Fix Leaking Vehicles
When your car's leaking oil on the street, remember it's not just leaking oil on the street.
 

Wash Your Car Without Polluting
When you're washing your car in the driveway, remember you're not just washing your car in the driveway.
 

Pick Up After Your Pet
When your pet goes on the lawn, remember it doesn't just go on the lawn.
 

Find Out About Your Watershed
A recent survey by Goshen College students asked a random sample of Elkhart County residents if they live in a watershed. The results were surprising...
 

Elkhart County Homeowners