Stormwater Programs And Information

Stormwater Programs And Information

What is Storm Water?
Storm water is the flow of water that results from precipitation and runoff from land, pavement, building rooftops, and other surfaces. Storm water accumulates pollutants such as oil and grease, chemicals, and bacteria as it travels across land. The polluted storm water ultimately ends up flowing directly into local lakes, rivers and streams.

What is a MS4 Permit?
A Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System Permit (MS4) requires certain municipalities to implement stormwater management programs, in order to reduce pollution in our lakes. About 220 municipalities in Wisconsin are required to have MS4 Permits. For more information, go to our Storm Water Permit page or this Wisconsin DNR site.

Storm Water Utility
The City of Menasha owns and operates a storm sewer system designed to receive and treat storm water runoff prior to discharge into our waterways. The City charges a Storm Water Utility fee to help pay for the maintenance and operating costs of the storm sewers and pollutance removing facilities (stormwater ponds, e.g.). The current cost is $99 annually per ERU, or equivalent runoff unit. A single family residence is charged for one (1) ERU. To read Menasha's storm water utility ordinance or see the City's rates for other types of properties, click here.

     

Why is it important?
Since it is not treated, storm water can negatively impact the environment. The accumulated pollution and toxins in the runoff can hurt the fish and plants that live in the local waters. Higher levels of bacteria in storm water can also cause algae to grow, making boating, swimming, or fishing less desirable. Storm water can cause erosion of land areas and stream banks, causing much damage to the area. Drinking water supplies can become contaminated, and drainage systems can clog with sediment, which then increases maintenance costs.

Menasha's Watershed
A watershed is the area of land where all of the water that drains off of it goes into the same place. The City of Menasha is in the Little Lake Butte des Morts Watershed. This water then drains to the Fox River. To read more and see a map of the watershed, see this Wisconsin DNR site.

• What are Menasha's Requirements for a Storm Water Permit?
• Construction Page
• Storm Drain Stenciling

General Tips:
There are several preventative measures that can be taken to help stop storm water pollution.

Here are a few:

• You can keep areas clean of potentially harmful pollutants by not dumping your waste oil or animal waste down stormwater drains.
• You can use lawn care practices that help protect water quality.
• Use fertilizers and pesticides in a safe manner.
• Make sure household materials are used and stored properly. Also, find out where your local recycling and collection centers are in order to dispose of them
• For more information, check out our Resident Action Page and our Pollution Prevention Page

More Information about DNR Municipal Storm Water Management

It is prohibited to dump anything down stormwater drains. To report contaminated discharge, contact Public Works at (920) 967-3610.

Helpful Links:

• Menasha Storm Water Ordinances
  • Post Construction Water Management
  • Storm Water Illicit Discharge and Connection
• Be Storm Water Smart Brochure
• Menasha Storm Water Reference Guide
• North East Wisconsin Stormwater Consortium
• Winnebago Lakes Council
• Great Lakes Forever
• Renew Our Waters