Keep our Waterways Clean

The Town of Edinburgh's Storm Water Program is a requirement of the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) Storm Water Phase II Program. The Town was issued an NPDES permit by the state for this program. The goal of the Storm Water Program is to prevent pollution of our lakes, streams, waterways, and groundwater.

What is Storm Water?

Storm water runoff occurs when precipitation flows over the ground to a storm system, lake, stream, river or dry well. Impervious surfaces such as driveways, parking lots, and buildings prevent storm water from naturally soaking into the ground. Foreign substances, such as debris and chemicals that are deposited on impervious surfaces are transported with storm water runoff into streams, rivers, and other water bodies, causing pollution. 

Storm water in Edinburgh flows to the Big Blue River and to dry wells (or groundwater). Because storm sewers are connected directly to the river or to the groundwater, it is important that only clean water is entering the storm sewer system or dry wells. 

Once pollution reaches water bodies, it can poison fish, damage ecosystems, and even end up in water used for drinking or recreation. Protecting our water bodies from all sources of contamination can be accomplished through the cooperation of citizens, government, and businesses.

Edinburgh, along with other surrounding communities, joined the Johnson County Partnership for Water Quality (JCPWQ). The JCPWQ provides education and public outreach activities to teach the community on storm water pollution and prevention methods. 

Stormwater to Drinking Water Video - Stormwater to Drinking Water - YouTube

Do Your Part to Keep Our Waterways CLEAN! 

• Clean up after your pet and dispose of pet waste in a trash container or toilet. When left outdoors, pet waste contributes bacteria and nutrients to storm water. To learn more, see the JCPWQ Pet Waste brochure.
• Use a commercial car wash or wash your car on an unpaved surface to reduce the amount of dirty, soapy water entering storm drains and waterways.
• Piles of soil and mulch to be used for landscaping projects should be covered to prevent erosion.
• If you have a septic system, have it serviced regularly. Make sure it is not connected to the storm sewer or polluting a creek or body of water.
• Clean up your property.  Properly dispose of outdated or unused household chemicals stored in your basement, garage, or barn and do not store these materials outdoors. Don't forget about litter also!
• Recycle used oil, automotive fluids, batteries, and other products. Don't dispose of hazardous products in storm drains, alleys, or the ground. This pollutes the water supply.
• Sweep up debris, rather than hosing down areas.

Illicit Discharges

Illicit Discharges: What they are and Why they Matter

Illicit discharges are defined by the State of Indiana as "any discharge to a municipal separate storm sewer system conveyance (or natural water body) that is not composed entirely of storm water, except naturally occurring floatables, such as leaves or tree limbs." Illicit discharges can generally be found in the form of spills, illegal connections (sanitary cross-connections), illegal dumping, or excessive soil and sediment.  Other examples of prohibited discharges are listed on the following pages. 

Illicit discharges can contaminate water supplies, disrupt recreational activities on our rivers and lakes, and harm the environment and aquatic species.  It's important to find illicit discharges and eliminate them to protect our natural resources and preserve them for future generations. 

Illicit discharges are illegal, and, if not corrected, can be enforced through various means, such as notices of violations, fines, and corrective measures.  Refer to the Illicit Discharge Ordinance.  Keep in mind that illicit connections may be unintentional or unknown to the business owner or homeowner who is causing the illicit discharge. If you think you've discovered an illicit discharge, contact the Town of Edinburgh through the Storm Water Hotline or the Action Center. 

Illicit Discharge Tip Card

Pool and Spa Discharges

Recycling and Household Hazardous Waste Disposal