Regulatory Background and SWQMP Goals

The Town of Zionsville has a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) which is a series of pipes and structures which are designed to provide drainage by conveying stormwater runoff (rainwater) to local waterways.  The Town is required under the federal Clean Water Act and Indiana MS4 General Permit to maintain a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit which regulates stormwater discharge from the MS4.  To maintain compliance with the permit, Zionsville must implement a Stormwater Quality Management Plan (SWQMP) that is designed to minimize the amount of pollution in stormwater discharges to help protect our local lakes and streams and to promote good community stewardship of these precious resources. 

Stormwater pollution is also known as "non-point" source pollution as it originates from a variety of sources throughout the watershed including, but not limited to, construction sites, industrial and commercial facilities, roads and parking lots, agriculture and even your own backyard.  Common pollutants include sediment, gas and oil, nutrients (fertilizer), bacteria (E. coli), trash and even yard waste such as leaves and grass clippings.
 
A critical component of any effective water quality program is educating the community about water quality problems and informing people about what they can do to prevent pollution and have a positive impact on local water quality. Below you will find information about our water quality program activities and links to water quality information and a variety of other resources.  

The SWQMP outlines efforts for the Town to reduce the amount of pollution carried by stormwater runoff into local streams, lakes and reservoirs. For more information on what you can do to help click here.

Water Quality Characterization Report

A Water Quality Characterization Report relates to multiple factors influencing water quality. SWQMP contains information specific to our local programs and activities designed to reduce the amount of water-borne pollution within our community. 

In January of 2023, the Town of Zionsville, as a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS-4) entity, submitted to IDEM its Water Quality Characterization Report and SWQMP. This narrative describes local water quality conditions and the activities that the Town will endeavor to accomplish to improve water quality in our community and surrounding areas. This plan is subject to change as strengths and weaknesses are identified in the future.