Almost everything going down a storm drain/street inlet ends up in the nearest creek and river. Dumping anything into storm drains is illegal. Please don’t dump anything into any storm drain. If you see or suspect illegal dumping in storm drains please call the City at 815-433-0161 ext. 230.
When preparing for the leaf vac program this fall, please make sure leaf piles are not placed in the street or near storm drains/inlets. After rain events this can cause flooding issues, clog storm drains, diminish water quality in streams, make leaf vacuuming difficult, and ultimately cost taxpayers money.
The City of Ottawa requires floodplain permits for any development that occurs within a regulated floodplain. Development includes construction, repair, placement or alteration to a structure, storage of materials, excavating, and dredging activities. If you have questions regarding where the floodplain is within the City or permits required in the floodplain, please contact Mat at the City of Ottawa (815-433-0161 ext. 230).