MS4 Permit
The State of Wisconsin DNR requires the Town of West Bend to have a General Permit to Discharge Under the Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System or MS4 Permit. The Town, as an owner or operator of municipal separate storm sewer systems, is permitted to discharge stormwater into waters of the state in accordance with the conditions set forth in the MS4 Permit.
Stormwater
Stormwater is precipitation (rain or snow) that falls to the ground then flows over land instead of percolating into the ground. The stormwater then picks up garbage, debris, sediment, chemicals, etc., as it moves across developed areas and into our lakes and streams.
It is a variety of components designed to collect and convey stormwater runoff such as basins, curbs, gutter and ditches, and culverts. These components work together to prevent stormwaters from polluting our lakes. They are not connected to the sewer system that carries wastewater to treatment plants.
Illicit Discharges
Hazardous household products, yard care products, fertilizers, dog waste, car soaps and automotive fluids turn what should only be stormwater into an Illicit Discharge that pollutes and degrades local water quality. Report spills/illicit discharges ASAP to Public Works, Sheriff, Fire Department, or DNR Hazardous 24 hr. Spill Line at (800) 943-0003.
Capture pet’s waste in either a plastic or a biodegradable bag and tie bag tightly to remove the air.
Put waste into another bag and throw it away in a garbage bin or in a designated bin at the park.
Reduce your Winter Salt Use
Reducing your winter salt use helps protect our lakes, streams and drinking water. Click here for Homeowner handout regarding salt usage from www.WiSaltWise.com
Learn more about stormwater runoff on the Wisconsin DNR website:
Wisconsin DNR Link: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Stormwater/learn_more/whatis.html
Native Landscapes
Before our landscape was developed, very little rainfall actually ran off the ground. Most of it soaked into the soil, where it was either used by plants or became part of the groundwater system. Native plants are used in infiltration basins to help replicate some of these conditions.
Other benefits of using native plants include: Creating habitat and food sources for birds, butterflies, bees and other wildlife. And reducing maintenance needs such as mowing and use of fertilizer.
Wisconsin DNR Link: Plant Native Plants to Help Nature
Educational Resources
Washington County
Information about improving your shoreline, handling your hazardous waste, keeping rainwater clean, understanding your septic system, farming for healthy soil, and protecting our lakes is on the Washington County web page: https://www.washcowisco.gov/departments/natural_resources/water
Cedar Lakes Conservation Foundation
Cedar Lakes Conservation Foundation holds many informative events in the area and at the Town of West Bend Town Hall. Click on the following link for more information: https://theclcf.org