Stormwater Management

The City of Pleasant Hill became a MS4 City (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) in 2004. MS4 Cities are required to have a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit issued by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). The City of Pleasant Hill MS4 NPDES permit regulates the management of stormwater in the City.


The City is tasked with the important job of Stormwater management to limit the impact of stormwater runoff and the amount of pollution traveling to local rivers and streams. Unmanaged stormwater can cause water pollution, stream bank erosion, and flooding. As more areas of the City are developed into homes and businesses, less precipitation can infiltrate into the ground and more stormwater runoff is generated. By slowing down the stormwater through Best Management Practices (BMPs), the pollutants have a chance to settle out. These practices can help improve the water quality in local bodies of water and help improve the water quality in our state's rivers.


 What is the City Doing about stormwater management?

  • To comply with federal regulations, the City is required to implement a stormwater management program. A review of this program can be found in the latest copy of the Annual Stormwater Report. A few of the requirements include:
    • The inspection of construction sites and post construction stormwater facilities to reduce sediment loss.
    • Provide opportunities for public involvement and participation to as well as public education and outreach on stormwater impacts and water quality management.
    • Enforce a discharge detection and elimination program to allow only unpolluted stormwater to enter the municipal storm sewer system.
    • Maintain a pollution prevention and good housekeeping program aimed at preventing or reducing pollutant runoff from municipal operations.
  • Stormwater Utility - Find more information on the Ordinance designed to help with stormwater management in the City. 
  • Stormwater BMP Reimbursement Program - Learn more about the City's cost share program designed to provide landowner assistance with the cost of materials and/or contracted labor for the installation of stormwater best management practices.
What can citizens do to mitigate stormwater and prevent water pollution?
  • Learn about the benefits of installing a best management practice on your own property by visiting the Rain Campaign website and use the City's reimbursement program to help reimburse a portion of your stormwater project expenses.
  • Visit Rainscaping Iowa to gain ideas and information on stormwater infrastructure including helpful brochures and publications on best management practices.
  • Home Maintenance & Lawn Care -  list of practices you can begin today to help become part of the solution to preventing water pollution: 

Questions or Concerns?

Do you have a stormwater concern? For example, is there mud in the street, or have you witnessed a spill or dumping in the storm sewer? Do you have a question about a program or an issue?


Report an Issue and a City of Pleasant Hill staff member will be in contact with you.