Federal regulations through the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) require that all municipal separate storm sewer systems (known as MS4s), partially or fully in urbanized areas based on the 2000 census, obtain stormwater permits for their discharges into receiving waters (lakes, streams, rivers). To meet the federal regulations, the Village has developed an MS4 Storm Water Management Program (SWMP).

The SWMP describes the procedures and practices that the Village implements to reduce the discharge of pollutants within stormwater runoff to comply with Federal standards. Compliance with this program is intended to protect water quality, contributing to the following amenities:

• Cleaner lakes and streams
• Improved recreational opportunities and tourism
• Flood damage reduction
• Enhanced aesthetics and wildlife habitat
• A safer and healthier environment for Mount Prospect residents

Federal environmental regulations based on the 1972 Clean Water Act (CWA) require that separate stormwater systems, construction sites, and industrial activities control polluted stormwater runoff from entering receiving bodies of water (including navigable streams and lakes). 

Cleaning up after your pet is a helpful way to help protect the waterways that run through Mount Prospect. All of the creeks that dissect the Village, including McDonald Creek, Feehanville Creek, Weller Creek, and Higgins Creek, ultimately end up flowing into the Des Plaines River. In turn, the Des Plaines River eventually flows into the Illinois, Mississippi, and Gulf of Mexico. Pet waste entering a creek in Mount Prospect can have a long journey and impact various plants, animals, ecosystems, and even people!

Pet waste on sidewalks, streets, or yards contains numerous pollutants such as nutrients and bacteria. Unfortunately, these pollutants are easily washed into nearby storm sewers. Please discard your pet’s waste by wrapping it in a plastic bag and throwing it in the garbage.

When washing your pet, do it either in the house in a laundry tub or outside in a washtub on the lawn. If you wash your pet outside, dump the wash water on the lawn when you are finished. These practices prevent polluted water from entering the storm sewers. You can also help the environment by selecting a pet shampoo low in phosphorous.

Lastly, please do not feed ducks and geese. Feeding these waterfowl is not healthy for them or any nearby waterway. Like pet waste, waterfowl waste can contribute nutrient and bacteria pollution to local waterways.

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