Stormwater Management

Rainfall and stormwater runoff flows over pavements, lawns, sidewalks, etc and collects debris, chemicals, dirt, and other pollutants. Stormwater flows into a municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) or directly to a lake, stream, river, wetland, or coastal water. Anything that enters a municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) is discharged untreated into the water bodies we use for swimming, fishing, and providing drinking water. Polluted runoff is the nation’s greatest threat to clean water. Runoff from construction sites, spills at fueling areas, and chemicals used to keep outdoor areas clean, are often conveyed into the municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4). By practicing good housekeeping, property owners, tenants, business owners and employees can help keep pollutants like pesticides, pet waste, grass clippings, and automotive fluids off the ground and out of stormwater. Environmental responsibility helps protect our lakes, streams, rivers, wetlands, and coastal waters.  Please help keep Madison's waterways clean by refraining from placing any litter, garbage, leaves, motor oil, anti-freeze, cleaning fluid, pesticide, or any other waste into or near storm sewer inlets. 

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