Stormwater Management


Stormwater originates from rain or melting snow. Water that does not soak into the ground or drain off hard surfaces like driveways, sidewalks and parking lots becomes runoff. Every property generates runoff and benefits from the Village infrastructure system that manages stormwater. Without proper stormwater management, rain events may result in flooding on roads and properties throughout the Village, leading to property damage and dangerous road conditions. Stormwater runoff must be channeled through a system of pipes, ditches, catch basins and storm drains before being safely discharged into local streams.

The Village owns and operates a complex stormwater infrastructure system, consisting of:

  • 8,700 drainage structures
  • 315 detention facilities
  • 140 miles of roadway ditches
  • 150 miles of storm sewers
  • 15 miles of streams
  • 9 miles of culverts


All water is not the same. What's the difference?


Tap Water: Treated water that comes from a faucet and used for drinking, bathing, cooking, and household purposes. Service is provided and billed by the Village.

Wastewater: Water previously used for showering, washing clothes or flushing the toilet. Service is provided and billed by the Downers Grove Sanitary District.

Stormwater: Originates from rain, melting snow, or other outdoor activities (car washing, watering lawn, etc.). Water that does not soak into the ground becomes runoff, which is managed by the Village's stormwater infrastructure.


STORMWATER ASSISTANCE

Village staff is here to help with your stormwater and floodplain questions.

Contact us at 630-434-5460 or stormwater@downers.us.


Stormwater FAQs

What is a flood plain?

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Is my property located in a flood plain or LPDA?

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What is an LPDA?

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Why does the Village regulate LPDAs while FEMA does not?

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Are there any restricted property uses in a floodplain or LPDA?

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Do I need flood insurance?

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Stormwater Resources
DuPage County Benchmarks | DuPage County | link

Watershed Map | Village of Downers Grove | pdf

Guide to Preventing & Repairing Flood Damage | DuPage County | pdf

St. Joseph Creek river gauge | US Geological Society | link

National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) | FEMA | link

Know Your Flood Risk | FEMA | link

Contact

Stormwater Management

Julie Lomax

Stormwater Administrator

630.493.8821

Email: Stormwater Maintenance

Email: Stormwater Utility

National Flood Insurance Program

National Flood Insurance Program text in white over a dark blue image with white silhouette buildings and wavy lines under the buildings.

The National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 made flood insurance available to anyone living in one of the almost 23,000 participating NFIP communities, including Downers Grove.


More about NFIP.

Watershed Map

Watershed map

This map shows the location and area of each of the Village's three watersheds.

©2025 The Village of Downers Grove | All Rights Reserved