Storm Water System

The Department of Public Works is charged with the responsibility for maintaining the storm water system within the City of Racine. Storm water drainage is an important consideration in urban street design, construction and maintenance. The storm water system consists of the curb and gutter of the street which conveys precipitation and surface runoff to catch basin inlets. The catch basin inlet allows water to enter the below ground storm sewer pipes. Finally, water is conveyed to Root River or Lake Michigan.

Besides street sweeping, which removes material from the street and curbline, the Department of Public Works provides cleaning of the catch basins in order to remove materials which may otherwise cause a blockage resulting in street flooding.

The State of Wisconsin has instituted new rules regarding storm water management practices which will place greater emphasis on the task of catch basin cleaning in future years.

Why Do We Care About Stormwater?

A major source of pollution to our rivers, streams, and lakes nationwide and here in Wisconsin is stormwater runoff. Runoff carries trash, debris, motor oil, and automotive residue from our streets and parking lots, herbacides and pesticides from our lawns and sediment from construction sites. If not corrected these pollutants go straight into the Root River and Lake Michigan.

Storm Water Utility Information