Understanding Cook County’s Stormwater Management Requirements: What Homeowners Need to Know About Drain Maintenance in 2024

As Cook County continues to evolve its approach to stormwater management, residential property owners are finding themselves navigating an increasingly complex landscape of drainage requirements and maintenance obligations. While the county’s comprehensive stormwater regulations have been in place since 2014, ongoing updates and enforcement changes are making professional drain maintenance more crucial than ever.

The Foundation: Cook County’s Watershed Management Framework

The Watershed Management Ordinance (WMO) applies to all development within the boundaries of Cook County, Illinois, and qualified sewer construction within the MWRD’s corporate boundaries or service agreement areas. Components which are regulated under the WMO include qualified sewer construction, drainage and detention, volume control, floodplain management, isolated wetland protection, riparian environment protection, and soil erosion and sediment control. The WMO went into effect on May 1, 2014.

What many homeowners don’t realize is that these regulations directly impact how they must maintain their residential drainage systems. Known as the Cook County Watershed Management Ordinance, or WMO, the new ordinance establishes standards that regulate stormwater run-off throughout Cook County.

Why Drain Maintenance Matters More Than Ever

The importance of proper drain maintenance has grown significantly due to Cook County’s environmental challenges. The WMO was needed because over the last 150 years, across the Chicago River watershed, we have paved over the natural landscape or built buildings on most of the open space where water used to seep into the ground. Then, to control that water, we treated it like garbage and piped it to our sewer system where it carries runoff pollution with it and causes combined sewer overflows, polluting the Chicago River.

The massive amounts of extra water in the sewer and river systems also causes flooding. This reality makes regular drain maintenance not just a matter of convenience, but a critical component of flood prevention and environmental protection.

Current Residential Requirements and Compliance

For residential properties, several key maintenance requirements have become increasingly important:

• Downspout Management: The location of all building downspouts shall be shown in the plans. Downspouts shall be splashed to landscaped areas, unless otherwise deemed not feasible.
• Proper Drainage Systems: Homeowners must ensure their drainage systems don’t contribute to neighborhood flooding or environmental contamination
• Regular Maintenance: These are the minimum maintenance requirements. Property owners are expected to maintain their systems beyond just basic compliance

The regulations are particularly strict about preventing water discharge issues. Any proposed driveway sloping down to a below-grade building level must prohibit the entrance of any storm water runoff emanating from the public right-of-way and/or adjacent properties.

Professional Services: Your Best Defense

Given the complexity of these regulations and the serious consequences of non-compliance, many Cook County residents are turning to professional drain cleaning services. When you need reliable Drain Cleaning Cook County services, working with experienced professionals becomes essential for both compliance and peace of mind.

All Rooter Hydro Jetting Experts Inc., a Chicago-based company, exemplifies the type of professional service homeowners need. All Rooter Hydro Jetting Experts Inc. has been established since 2000 and over the years, we have been providing professional plumbing services to Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, and we have come to value the trust of our customers. All Rooter Hydro Jetting Experts Inc. is continuously training its plumbers in order to stay up-to-date on the latest in technology and products. We provide our customers with products and solutions to help you save on energy and water.

The Consequences of Neglect

Failing to properly maintain residential drainage systems can have serious consequences beyond just regulatory compliance. Erosion during construction can generate enormous quantities of sediment that leads to water quality impairment, clogging of sewers, loss of floodwater conveyance and storage, and safety and nuisance problems.

Many areas of Cook County experience flooding. Some common types of flooding include: Flooding from streams and rivers that rise up and out of their banks (overbank flooding) Flooding from runoff that exceeds the capacity of the sewer system

Moving Forward: Best Practices for 2024

As we move through 2024, Cook County homeowners should prioritize:

• Regular Professional Inspections: Have your drainage systems evaluated by qualified professionals annually
• Preventive Maintenance: Address small issues before they become major problems
• Compliance Monitoring: Stay informed about any updates to local stormwater management requirements
• Emergency Preparedness: Know who to call for 24/7 emergency drain cleaning services

We’re dedicated to keeping your plumbing running smoothly and offering honest, reliable service at a fair price. People who need plumbing services in the Chicago area choose All Rooter for a number of reasons, some of which include: Local Expertise: We know Chicago’s plumbing inside and out.

Conclusion

While Cook County’s stormwater management requirements may seem complex, they serve a vital purpose in protecting our communities from flooding and environmental damage. By staying proactive about drain maintenance and working with qualified professionals, homeowners can ensure compliance while protecting their properties and contributing to the overall health of Cook County’s water systems.

Don’t wait for a drainage emergency to address your system’s needs. Regular maintenance and professional service are your best investments in long-term property protection and regulatory compliance.