Stormwater Pollution Prevention

Permit Program

Water pollution degrades surface waters, making them unsafe for drinking, fishing, swimming and other activities. As authorized by the Clean Water Act, the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program controls water pollution by regulating pipes or ditches that discharge pollutants into waters of the United States. The Village of Winnetka has banned coal tar and phosphorus fertilizer in efforts to prevent chemical pollution in stormwater runoff.

Water Quality Improvements

The NPDES permit program is responsible for significant improvements to our nation’s water quality. Individual homes that are connected to a municipal system, use a septic system or do not have a surface discharge do not need an NPDES permit; however, industrial, municipal, and other facilities must obtain permits if their discharges go directly to surface waters.

Village Requirements

The Village of Winnetka discharges stormwater from its storm sewer system under IEPA General National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit Number ILR40 (PDF).

As a condition of the permit, the Village is required to set goals for a five-year period in order to reduce pollution to the receiving waters. The goals are described in the Notice of Intent (PDF).

After each program year, the Village must document its status of compliance with and any charges to the Notice of Intent in an Annual Facility Inspection Report.

Helpful Resources

Please call 847-716-3568 to report any suspicious discharges to the storm sewer system or a body of water.

Annual Facility Inspection Reports

View most recent Annual Facility Inspection Report for Permit for Stormwater Discharges from Separate Sewer Systems. 

View previous inspection reports.