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The City of Painesville manages stormwater to reduce flooding, protect infrastructure, and improve water quality in the Grand River and Lake Erie.
Managing stormwater is a shared responsibility. The City maintains the system, and residents and businesses can help by taking simple steps to manage runoff on their property.
What is stormwater?
Stormwater runoff is rainwater or melting snow that flows over surfaces like roofs, driveways, parking lots, streets, and lawns.
Water that is not absorbed into the ground flows into ditches, catch basins, and storm sewers. Unlike wastewater, stormwater is not treated before entering local waterways.
What is stormwater pollution?
As runoff flows, it can pick up pollutants such as:
- Fertilizer and pesticides
- Pet waste
- Oil and salt from roads
- Dirt and sediment
- Grass clippings, leaves, and litter
These pollutants can end up in streams, rivers, and Lake Erie.
Why is stormwater runoff a problem?
Development—such as roads, parking lots, and buildings—prevents water from soaking into the ground. This can lead to:
- Localized flooding
- Erosion
- Water quality issues
- Damage to natural habitats
Why do we need to manage stormwater?
Stormwater management helps:
- Protect drinking water sources
- Reduce flooding and property damage
- Maintain safe conditions during storms
- Support recreation like fishing, boating, and swimming
What does the stormwater fee cover?
The monthly stormwater fee supports basic system maintenance and services.
The City partners with Lake County for certain services, but additional funding is needed for larger infrastructure improvements and long-term projects.
Who do I contact about a stormwater issue?
Contact the Engineering Department at (440) 392-5935 or [email protected].
Staff can inspect issues and help determine the next steps.
Regulatory Requirements
Stormwater is regulated under the federal Clean Water Act through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES).
The City’s program follows six required areas:
- Public education and outreach
- Public participation and involvement
- Illicit discharge detection and elimination
- Construction site runoff control
- Post-construction stormwater management
- Pollution prevention and good housekeeping
Learn More
Additional resources and best practices for managing stormwater are available for residents, businesses, and contractors.