The Stormwater Department is responsible for all comprehensive planning and management of the stormwater sewer distribution systems throughout the City of Valparaiso. The Stormwater Department works closely with a variety of other partners such as the Engineering Department, Utilities Department, and county and regional planning groups to improve drainage and enhance the quality of life in the community.

Stormwater Management Manual
The City of Valparaiso is drafting a revised stormwater management manual. The purpose of this document is to update and unify existing stormwater engineering standards into a single document available to the public.

MS4 Program
MS4 Program is a  federally mandated initiative which looks at maintaining and benefiting stormwater quality. According to U.S. EPA, polluted stormwater runoff is a leading cause of impairment to nearly 40 percent of surveyed U.S. water bodies which do not meet water quality standards. Polluted runoff is discharged, often untreated, directly into local water bodies over land or via storm sewer systems. When left uncontrolled, this water pollution can result in the destruction of fish, wildlife, and aquatic life habitats; a loss in aesthetic value; and threats to public health due to contaminated food, drinking water supplies, and recreational waterways. Click here to find out how the City of Valparaiso is combating this problem and what you can do to help.

Resources
View the following resources to read more information about the Stormwater Department.

• Stormwater Projects 
• Stormwater Rates
• Frequently Asked Questions

Documents

• Valparaiso Rainfall Intensity Tabulated Values
• Valparaiso Rainfall Intensity Curve
• Ordinance 13, Adopted 1998
• Ordinance 23, Adopted 2007
• Ordinance 34, Adopted 2009