Stormwater can be found everywhere! According to the US Environmental Protect Agency, "Stormwater runoff is generated from rain and snowmelt events that flow over land or impervious surfaces, such as paved streets, parking lots, and building rooftops, and does not soak into the ground. The runoff picks up pollutants like trash, chemicals, oils, and dirt/sediment that can harm our rivers, streams, lakes, and coastal waters." We are asking you to help us with both stormwater quality as well as stormwater quantity concerns.
Quick Links
uReport
Report stormwater concerns using the City's uReport website. Only rainwater should enter storm drains. Technically, everything else is considered a form of pollutant, or "illicit discharge." Some examples include dumping motor oil, grease, concrete washwater and grass clippings into a storm drain. If you see someone actively engaging in these activities and/or others that could adversely affect water quality, please fill out a uReport investigation request. The person(s) committing the offense may receive a Notice of Violation or possibly even a fine.
Contractors' Workshop 2020
See "Contractors Workshop 2020" and related materials in "Attachments" sections, below
Residential Stormwater Grants 2020
- 2020 Residential Stormwater Grants Application - due April 1, 2020
- 2020 Residential Stormwater Grants Guidelines
See also "Residential Stormwater Grants 2020" and related materials in "Attachments" sections, below.
Stormwater Page Contents
On this page, you will find information on stormwater pertaining to the following subjects:
- Bloomington's Stormwater System
- Watersheds
- Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
- Public Education and Outreach/Participation and Involvement
- Reporting water pollution and illegal dumping
- Construction Site Runoff Control/Post-Construction Site Runoff Control
- Information for Homeowners
- Contact Information
For more information, please refer to the contact information listed at the bottom of this page.
1. Bloomington's Stormwater System
Did you know that over 11,000 storm drains (stormwater inlets) and approximately 99 miles of pipes and streams make up Bloomington's stormwater system?
A video tour of Bloomington's stormwater system thanks to WTIU Friday Zone.
How it works - Rainwater runs over the ground, enters storm drains, flows through pipes, and into streams. Note: The water is not filtered along the way; therefore, only rain should enter storm drains.
Thanks to MCCSC's Academy of Science and Entrepreneurship for creating the stop-motion video, "Free the Raindrop". The clever video follows the theoretical adventures of a raindrop as it lands in the Monroe Reservoir watershed (where Bloomington and much of the surrounding area receive their drinking water), through the CBU intake and nearby treatment plant, into town, through the infrastructure, puts out a fire, goes down a storm drain, exits in a stream, and makes its way to the Gulf of Mexico where it rejoins the water cycle. Note: The video has received the following awards: Academy of Science and Entrepreneurship School-wide Project, Best Campaign; City of Bloomington Environmental Commission, Eco-Heroes 2019, 1st Place, 9th - 12th Grade; and Indiana MS4 Partnership, Annual Meeting 2019, MS4 Stormwater Partnership Outreach Event.
Help us to keep our water clean; if you happen to see or smell anything that is not rainwater entering our stormwater system, please report the incursion to the City of Bloomington's uReport page.
For more information, please refer to the contact information listed at the bottom of this page.
2. Watersheds
Bloomington is divided into two main watersheds, or areas of land that drain to larger and larger bodies of water as they pick up more runoff.
To the north is the Lower White watershed, which flows to the northwest and joins the West Fork of the White River. To the south is the Lower East Fork White watershed, which flows southwest and joins the East Fork of the White River. The dividing line, shown in dark blue on the map, below, occurs more-or-less along 10th Street. For perspective, Indiana University buildings are shown in red.
Flow
The two rivers converge further to the southwest, near Petersburg, forming the White River. From there, the White River flows to the Wabash River, joins the Ohio River (which forms the squiggly line at the bottom of our state), then Mississippi River. The Mississippi continues to the Gulf of Mexico.
The following describes the route water takes from the City of Bloomington to the Gulf of Mexico.
Lower White Watershed (flows northwest)
Cascades Creek, Griffy Creek, Beanblossom Creek, (West Fork) White River, White River, Wabash River, Ohio River, Mississippi River, Gulf of Mexico
Lower East Fork White Watershed (flows southwest)
From the east side: Jackson Creek, Clear Creek, Salt Creek (below Monroe Reservoir), East Fork White River, White River, Wabash River, Ohio River, Mississippi River, Gulf of Mexico
From the west side: Jordan River, Clear Creek, Salt Creek (below Monroe Reservoir), East Fork White River, White River, Wabash River, Ohio River, Mississippi River
For an interactive map of streams and rivers, visit the United States Geological Survey (USGS) website.
Dead (Hypoxic) Zone - Just think about it - what we do here affects not only us, but those in the Gulf of Mexico and places inbetween! As you may have heard, there is a large dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico that is about the size of New Jersey. Dead zones are areas where the oxygen concentration is so low that animals can suffocate and die. They occur where runoff from urban and rural lands contain an overabundance of nutrients from fertilizers, wastewater treatment plants, and other sources. If we limit the pollutants that enter our waterways, we can help water quality.
Karst - According to the Indiana Karst Conservancy, “Karst is a term that was first applied to a plateau in the Dinaric Alps of Yugoslavia. It has now come to be applied to similar regions throughout the world. Such regions are characterized by the presence of limestone or other soluble rocks, where drainage has been largely diverted into subsurface routes. The topography of such areas is dominated by sinkholes, sinking streams, large springs, and caves.” Bloomington and the surrounding area contain karst.
For more information, please refer to the contact information listed at the bottom of this page.
3. Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
"I recognize the right and duty of this generation to develop and use the natural resources of our land but I do not recognize the right to waste them, or to rob by wasteful use, the generations that come after us." ~Theodore Roosevelt
Why should we be concerned? An excess of pollutants can lead to poor water quality, reducing oxygen, and affecting the quality of life of a stream (remember the dead/hypoxic zone mentioned above?). This decline could create a chain reaction of problems, including adversely affecting drinking water quality, wildlife, and more.
Do you recall hearing about the Cuyahuga River in Ohio catching on fire... several times, actually? Too many pollutants, in this case those that were flammable, entered the water. The fires were a catalyst to do something about our water quality. Laws were created to help.
The following is a brief history of legislation intended to help counteract an excess of pollutants in our waters:
- 1948 - Federal Water Pollution Control Act is put into place
- 1970 - US Environmental Protection Agency becomes an agency
- 1972 - Clean Water Act (CWA) becomes a law. A portion of the CWA contains language regarding National Pollution Discharge Elimination Systems (NPDES). The Clean Water Act prohibits the discharge of pollutants through a point source* into a water of the United States unless they have and comply with the appropriate NPDES permit. Populations of 10,000 are governed by the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit. Approximately 83% of Americans live in an area regulated by MS4 permits. According to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, "MS4s are defined as a conveyance or system of conveyances owned by a state, city, town, or other public entity that discharges to waters of the United States and is designed or used for collecting or conveying storm water. Regulated conveyance systems include roads with drains, municipal streets, catch basins, curbs, gutters, storm drains, piping, channels, ditches, tunnels and conduits. It does not include combined sewer overflows and publicly owned treatment works." As you may recall from the section above, Bloomington is home to approximately 99 miles of stormwater conveyance.
* Pollutants are classified into two main categories: Point Source and Non-Point Source. Point Source: You can see, actually point to, where the pollutant is coming from ("end of pipe"). For example, a factory that has discharged a chemical into the water. Non-point Source: You may not be able to know exactly where the pollutant is coming from (runoff from the landscape). For example, an excess of fertilizer that has made its way through the storm drains of a subdivision and discharged into a stream (it could be from any one or a number of the homes).
Part of the MS4 regulations require them to adhere to six Minimum Control Measures (MCMs), paraphrased below:
1. Public Education and Outreach - providing education and outreach to the public
2. Public Participation and Involvement - providing opportunities for the public to get involved with and participation in stormwater activities
3. Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination - finding and eliminating sources of pollution
4. Construction Site Runoff Control - proactively taking care of pollution sources on a construction site
5. Post-Construction Storm Water Runoff Control - permanent stormwater treatment facilities required for development and redevelopment disturbing one acre or more
6. Municipal Operations Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping - how the municipality takes care of its own "good housekeeping" regarding pollutants
Putting it all together... Watch this video from the Indiana Association for Floodplain and Stormwater Management
At this point, you may be wondering, "How can I help?". The next sections offer opportunities to get involved with making a difference in Bloomington's stormwater quality.
For more information, please refer to the contact information listed at the bottom of this page.
4. Public Education and Outreach/Participation and Involvement
Why is it important to know about and get involved with stormwater quality? Watch this video from the Indiana Association of Floodplain and Stormwater Management
Take the "Clean Stormwater Pledge"!
The City of Bloomington Utilities offers a number of education and outreach/participation and involvement opportunities, including:
Adopt-a-Drain - Remember, only rain should go down a storm drain! Help us keep pollutants, such as grass clippings and plastics, from clogging storm drain inlets. It's a great way to get out and help with water quality and quantity issues. Do you have a storm drain in front of or near your home? (See the attached brochure in the Attachments section at the end of this page.)
Storm Drain Marking - Help us keep our waterways clean by reminding people not to dump anything in storm drains by placing storm drain markers ("stickers") on storm drains. This program is available for service groups. All materials are supplied. (See the attached brochure at the end of this page.)
Hoosier Riverwatch - A water quality monitoring program administered by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. Local facilitators are available to teach workshops focusing on physical, chemical, and biological monitoring. It is interesting to discover that certain little creatures that live in the water can give you an indication of the water's quality.
Presentations/Activities - We are available to speak to your classroom, service organization, and more! A number of presentations/activities are available. For example - water cycle, watersheds, water quality, caves and karst, water quality monitoring, green infrastructure, and more. We also offer tours of water treatment plants and related volunteer opportunities. In addition, you can mix and match them depending upon your curriculum and/or interests.
Adopt-a-Stream - This program is a collaboration with Bloomington Parks and Recreation and Monroe County Parks and Recreation. Waterways, including streams and ditches, are available for "adoption". Do you have one in mind? Please note that the above programs listed on this page can easily be incorporated into the endeavor.
Stormwater Art - Art can be an ideal way to communicate a message, such as helping to maintain good water quality. There are many opportunities to be creative and help our community. For example, have you seen our stencils featuring water, lily pads, and the Lotus Fest logo at Lotus Fest thanks to a collaboration with Harmony School? For more information, see the press release.
See also this video of the "School of Fish" installation thanks to Harmony School. If you made a pledge to keep our water clean, you were invited to hang a fish with your name (optional) on the informative and artful mobile. Watch for it at various venues around town!
Do you have an idea? - We are also available to work with you on a custom-made program.
For more information, please refer to the contact information listed at the bottom of this page.
5. Reporting something that shouldn't be going into a storm drain
Reporting a stormwater concern - uReport: Remember, only rainwater should enter storm drains. Technically, everything else is considered a form of pollutant, or "illicit discharge" (see below). Some examples are dumping motor oil, grease, or other grass clippings into a storm drain. If you see someone actively engaging in activities that could adversely affect water quality, please fill out a City of Bloomington uReport page. The person(s) committing the offense may receive a Notice of Violation or possibly even a fine.
A link to our Illicit Stormwater Connection and Discharge ordinance.
Pools and Spas - The water draining from pools and spas can be considered harmful. Follow precautions in the attached Pools and Spas brochure (see Attachments section, below), to make sure you are draining the feature responsibly and avoid an illicit discharge violation.
Got Aquarium? - It can be very harmful to our local environment to empty out aquariums into natural or man-made waterways. For information on aquarium disposal, including their contents, please contact:
City of Bloomington Animal Shelter
3410 S. Walnut St.
Bloomington, IN 47403
(812) 349-3492
www.bloomington.in.gov/animalshelter
Refueling Vehicles Tips - Watch this video from the Indiana Association for Floodplain and Stormwater Management
Leaf Collection Information - Visit the Street Department's website Note: Alternatively we encourage you to compost your leaves (and grass clippings); information on composting can be found on the Environmental Protection Agency's website.
Medication Disposal and Location Information
National Association of Boards of Pharmacy Information
Indiana University Health Information
The District - Monroe County Solid Waste Management District Information
For more information, please refer to the contact information listed at the bottom of this page.
6. Construction Site Runoff Control/Post-Construction Site Runoff Control
Sediment is the number one pollutant by volume in the State of Indiana. Stormwater can run off of construction sites when it rains, carrying sediment and causing erosion. Measures can be taken to control erosion.
A Grading Permit May be Needed for Construction Projects - Grading permits are necessary for certain construction projects. Construction sites disturbing one acre or more of land are required to have a Rule 5 Permit. Construction sites disturbing 1,000 square feet or more of land are required to have a Grading Permit. For more information, see the attached Rule 5 brochure.
Links to related ordinances
- Construction Site and Post Construction Stormwater Control ordinance
- Development Standards for Siltation and Erosion Prevention ordinance
Concrete Washouts and Maintenance - Watch this video from the Indiana Association for Floodplain and Stormwater Management
Pond Maintenance Tips - Watch this video from the Indiana Association for Floodplain and Stormwater Management
Contractors' Workshop 2020 - Join us for the annual Erosion & Sediment Control Contractors' Workshop and stay up-to-date on ordinances and permits, visit with professionals at the State, City, and County levels, receive a Certificate of Completion, and more. Sponsored by the City of Bloomington Utilities, Monroe County Stormwater, and the Indiana MS4 Partnership.
Important dates
- Workshop Date - Tuesday, February 11, 2020, 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. (check-in/registration starts at 8 a.m.), Ivy Tech Community College, Lamkin Hall, 200 Daniels Way, Bloomington, IN 47404.
- Registration Deadline/Information - Deadline, Friday, January 31, 2020/Information - please contact Connie Griffin at cgriffin2@co.monroe.in.us to register
Links to materials
- Contractors' Workshop 2020 Save the Date Notice (see "Attachments" section, below)
- Contractors' Workshop 2020 Flyer (see "Attachments" section, below)
- Contractors' Workshop 2020 Agenda (Under construction, will be added asap)
For more information, please refer to the contact information listed at the bottom of this page.
7. Information for Homeowners
Many property challenges start with stormwater quality and quantity issues. CBU offers a number of ways to work with stormwater. Below are initiatives that can help.
Neighborhood Visits - The City of Bloomington Utilities is available to schedule a site visit with you. For more information, see this press release. To participate in this opportunity, please refer to the contact information listed at the bottom of this page.
Residential Stormwater Grants 2020 - The City of Bloomington Utilities now offers Residential Stormwater Grants. In 2019, $35,000 was allotted towards 11 projects. For 2020, there is now $70,000 available. The intent is to improve the quality and quantity of stormwater while sustainably managing drainage and erosion concerns. Currently, the grants are only available for single-family homes on private property. Example projects include those for green infrastructure, including rain gardens, vegetated buffer strips, vegetated swales, culvert replacements, and more.
Important dates
- Public Meeting 1: Saturday, January 25, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m., City Hall, Council Chambers, 501 N. Morton St.
- Public Meeting 2: Tuesday, January 28, 6 – 7 p.m., Banneker Community Center, Third Floor, 930 W. 7th St.
- Public Meeting 3: Wednesday, February 19, 6 – 7 p.m., Switchyard Park Pavilion, 1601 S. Rogers St.
- Letter of Intent Deadline - Sunday, March 1, 2020, 4 p.m.
- Application Deadline - Wednesday, April 1, 2020, 4 p.m.
Links to materials
- Residential Stormwater Grants 2020 Flyer (see "Attachments" section, below)
- Residential Stormwater Grants 2020 Press Release (in progress)
- Residential Stormwater Grants 2020 Guidelines (see "Attachments" section, below)
- Residential Stormwater Grants 2020 Application (see "Attachments" section, below)
For more information, please refer to the contact information listed at the bottom of this page.
8. Contact Information
MS4 Coordinator - (812) 349-3656, stormwater@bloomington.in.gov
Stormwater Education Specialist - (812) 349-3617, stormwater@bloomington.in.gov