Natural Stormwater Management


Whenever possible and practical, the Village employs nature-based solutions or green infrastructure practices, to manage the effects of stormwater. 

The many benefits of these practices result in:

  • Improved air and water quality
  • Improved habitats for pollinators and other wildlife
  • Reduction in erosion
  • Reduced runoff into storm sewers
  • Increased water conservation 


These same solutions can also be used by residents to manage stormwater at home on their private property. 


BIOSWALES

Bioswales are ditches or swales planted with deep-rooted native plants to help collect, infiltrate, and filter stormwater runoff.


NATURAL AREAS

Restoring areas to their natural state is beneficial to the environment and to managing the effects of stormwater. The Village uses native plants to return areas to a state that complements the ecosystem.


NATIVE PLANTS

Landscapes that incorporate plants native to the region can have a great impact on stormwater and flooding. Their deep root systems absorb water run-off and once established, require much less maintenance versus grass or non-native plants.

RAIN BARRELS

Rain barrels are large containers that capture and store rain water from your roof, which can then be used to water plants, wash your car and reduce your water bill.

RAIN GARDENS

Rain gardens are depressional areas planted with native plants to reduce stormwater runoff and pollutants.

DRYWELLS

A drywell is a structure that provides underground stormwater storage. Runoff is channeled away from the surface, allowing water to slowly infiltrate into the surrounding soil.

PERMEABLE PAVEMENT

Permeable pavement (or pavers) is a specific type of pavement with a high porosity that allows rainwater to pass through it into the ground below. They are installed with layers of varying-sized stone or soil underneath that filter and absorb water.

More Information

Click on a category below.

Bioswales

Native Plants

Rain Barrels

Rain Gardens

Contact

Stormwater Management

Julie Lomax

Stormwater Administrator

630.493.8821

Email: Stormwater Maintenance

Email: Stormwater Utility

Where Are the Natural Areas?

natural area sign

This story map shows the location of rain gardens, natural areas and bioswales the Village has installed.

Videos



For a closer look at how the Village is helping to naturally manage stormwater, check out our other videos on YouTube.

Best Practices

diagram of a dry well

The Village's Guide to Post-Construction Best Management Practices gives residents ideas how to effectively manage stormwater on their property.

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