Stormwater Management

Stormwater Management Projects and Programs

Central Avenue Sewer Separation Project

In 2018 the Village applied for an MWRD grant for the separation of the combined sewer system on Central Avenue and portions of Elm Street. This project is identified as a priority project under the Village’s LTCP to separate basin 4. The project is tentatively scheduled to be bid (let) by IDOT in April 2022 and will establish a new storm sewer outfall to Flagg Creek, which will serve as the “backbone” for future separation projects in the Old Town South subdivision. 

Old Town North Storm Sewer Outfall

In partnership with the Illinois Tollway and the reconstruction of the BNSF bridge, the Village constructed a new storm sewer outfall to Flagg Creek near the Public Works facility west of Hillgrove Avenue and near Spring Rock Park. The new outfall was identified as a priority project under under the Village’s LTCP to separate basin 4. Future projects in portions of Old Town North will allow the Village to separate portions of the combined sewer.

Springdale Drainage Study

In 2020 the Village completed a stormwater study for the Springdale subdivision with a focus on the Franklin and Howard Avenue areas to identify contributory drainage areas and to identify drainage solutions. An estimated solution for the drainage problems was identified at ~3.5 Million. The Village is currently working with the Park District and designing a detention area near Springdale Park and actively looking for funding options to construct the project. 

Springdale Inlet Improvements

The Village is currently investigating and designing improvements for inlets located in portions of the Springdale subdivision. Investigation and design is anticipated to continue through the first half of 2022. 

Flagg Creek Stormsewer Outfalls

During the fall of 2020 Village staff completed a storm sewer investigation with V3 Companies for the Village’s storm outfalls located within Flagg Creek. The study photographed and reviewed each of the Village’s outfalls that discharge to Flagg Creek from 47th Street down through the Ridgewood subdivision. The Flagg Creek outfall investigation builds upon other storm water studies that the Village has completed in portions of Ridgewood and Springdale. The first phase of improvements were completed in Ridgewood in 2021 and the Village is currently planning additional improvements to occur during the fall/winter of 2022.

Department Responsibilities

The Public Works Division is responsible for the operation and maintenance of three different types of sewer systems:

  • Combined sewer
  • Sanitary sewer
  • Storm sewer

The combined sewer system in Western Springs is limited to the area north of 47th Street. Areas south of 47th Street are served by separate storm and sanitary sewers. Wastewater from combined and separate sanitary sewers is collected and treated by the Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago.

The department is responsible for complying with the requirements of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, and the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Discharge Permit. The department is responsible for cleaning the sewers and basins, repairing sewers, and performing inspections for new connections to the village's system. Additional information on the Village's combined sewer system can be found on our Sewer Services page.


Property Owner Responsibilities


BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU FLUSH! Homeowners are advised to be careful what they flush to avoid clogged pipes and sewer mains.  Items not to be flushed include: Facial tissues, paper towels, baby wipes/personal hygiene/all-purpose cleaning wipes (even if they are labeled “flushable”), diapers, prescription/over-the-counter medication, cigarette butts, dental floss, hair (human or pet), dryer sheets, bandages, toilet bowl scrubbing pads, condoms, cotton swabs, feminine hygiene products, cat litter, disposable contact lenses, gum, oils and grease, food scraps from the kitchen.

The property owner is responsible for maintenance and repair of the sewer lateral from the building up to and including its connection to the Village's sewer system. In the event that a residence is experiencing slow drains or has a sewer backup into the basement, the Public Works Division will respond by checking the main sewer line for any blockages or problems. This service is the first step in diagnosing a sewer problem. If the main sewer line is free of blockages, the department will recommend the homeowner contact a licensed plumber to investigate the backup in the property sewer connection.


To contact the Public Works Division, call 708-246-1800 ext. 200. After regular business hours, please call the Police non-emergency number at 708-246-8540.