Stormwater Partnership of Greater Elkhart County, Northern Indiana

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.

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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.

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.

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

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...

10 Things You Can Do to Prevent Stormwater Pollution

• Use fertilizers sparingly and sweep up driveways, sidewalks, and roads. Avoid application if the forecast calls for rain.
• Never dump anything down storm drains.
• Vegetate bare spots in your yard.
• Compost your yard waste.
• Minimize use of pesticides; learn about Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
• Direct downspouts away from paved surfaces.
• Wash your car on a lawn or unpaved surface, or take it to a car wash, instead of washing it in the driveway.
• Check your car for leaks, and recycle motor oil.
• Pick up after your pet.
• If you have a septic tank, have it pumped and the system inspected regularly (about every 3 years).

(Information adapted from United States Environmental Protection Agency educational materials.)

Welcome to Stormwater Partnership of Greater Elkhart County, Northern Indiana

Stormwater Information for Homeowners

Homeowner Impacts on Water Quality

Things You Can Do