Beginning Tuesday, July 7th, City staff will be inspecting storm sewer outfalls in compliance with the Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination program per the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit.
The annual storm sewer outfall inspections include observations of the outfall pipes along the Rock River, tributary creeks, lakes and wetlands. In-field water sampling and testing will also be completed when flow is occurring during dry weather.
Only rain, snowmelt and clean groundwater (sump pump discharges) should flow down the storm sewer. Storm sewers discharge directly to the Rock River and other local waterways, carrying sediment, fertilizers, oil, grease, metals and other pollutants into those waterways. If you see a spill or contaminated flows entering the storm sewer system, please call the Engineering Division at 920-262-4060 (or Dispatch at 920-261-6660 after hours).
Spills that directly enter the Rock River, creeks, lakes or wetlands should be called in to the DNR’s 24-hour Spills Hotline at 800-943-0003.
Information on the Protect Wisconsin Waterways’ Storm Drain Protector Program can be found at https://protectwiwaterways.org/storm-drain-protector-program/
Questions can be directed to Maureen McBroom, Stormwater Project Manager at the City of Watertown Public Works Department at mmcbroom@watertownwi.gov or (920) 206-4264.
Your cooperation and understanding is appreciated as work to protect and improve water quality is completed.