The United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) requires communities around the country to address stormwater quality, and hence the pollution of our nation’s waterbodies. Carmel is one of nearly 200 of these required communities in the state of Indiana required to develop and maintain a stormwater quality program. This program is extremely important to the sustainability of our community. In fact, the EPA now considers storm water pollution to be one of the most significant sources of contamination in our nation's waters.

Stormwater and why it is a concern

Anytime it rains, water falls onto many different surfaces, and depending on the surface, it either enters the ground, or runs off to another location. For instance, if rain falls on grass, a portion soaks into the ground, but if it lands on a paved parking lot, it runs off the lot to another location. Within Carmel, much of the storm water runs off of driveways, parking lots, and streets, where it picks up oil, grease, sediments, and many other pollutants that are harmful to the environment.

What many people do not realize is this stormwater that washes down our streets, flows into storm drains and then flows directly to our ponds, creeks, and rivers. When this stormwater flow becomes polluted with eroded soils, automotive fluids, trash, and lawn chemicals, it affects our ability to use our water bodies for drinking and recreational purposes and it degrades fish and other aquatic habitats.

The only way to lessen this pollution is to reduce the amount of pollutants washed away by storm water.

What is Stormwater Pollution?

Any toxic discharge that enters into the storm water sewer system , as storm water flows (or snow melts), it picks up debris, chemicals - such as fertilizers and pesticides - dirt, cigarette butts and other pollutants. This discharge enters a storm sewer system and is discharged to a lake, stream, river, wetland, or coastal water.

Courtesy Erich Roeckner, Max Planck Institute for Meteorology

Stormwater System Maintenance Requirements for HOAs and Property Owners

Most subdivisions and properties developed in Carmel since 2005 have been required to install water quality systems or “Best Management Practices” to remove pollutants from stormwater runoff before it leaves the developed area. These systems must be maintained and inspected by the HOA or property owner per City Code. Annual reports detailing the condition of each system are required to be submitted to the City of Carmel Department of Stormwater Management by mail or at stormwater@carmel.in.gov. These systems include water quality units, naturalized detention ponds, pervious pavements, infiltration trenches, and rain gardens. Recommended maintenance and inspection procedures can be found in the Operation and Maintenance Manual for the property or subdivision.

HOA and Property Manager Stormwater Guidance
HOA, Property Manager, and Landscaper Stormwater Training - FREE
Green and Gray Stormwater Infrastructure Guide