Stormwater Programs in Lake County

Stormwater runoff causes flooding of homes, 

businesses,and communities.  It also carries 

pesticides, chemicals, and other pollutants into 

lakes and rivers.  The League of Women 

Voters - Illinois and the League of Women 

Voters - Lake Michigan Region received a grant 

from the Illinois Coastal Management Program 

of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources  

to research and develop a program on the topic 

of reducing pollution of Lake Michigan and 

reducing the danger and damage caused by 

flooding.  In addition, educational materials will 

be distributed to lakeshore public libraries and 

information is available on the LWV - LMR 

website: http://www.lwvlmr.org   The presentations 

are being planned in numerous communities along 

the Lake Michigan shore.  The presentation will 

explain some of the reasons why we are experiencing 

flooding and runoff problems, such as the loss of 

wetland areas that are natural sponges and the 

increase in impermeable surfaces, such as parking 

lots.  It will offer some projects that can be done by 

individuals or communities, including such “green 

infrastructure” solutions as rain gardens and rain 

barrels for homes, and bioswales for roadways and 

parking lots.  Come to one of these programs and 

learn what you and your community can do.  

Free and open to the public. http://www.lwvlmr.org