Storm Sewer Information

  1. The City of Hudsonville is committed to protecting and preserving water quality in the community. Things that we do every day, from washing our cars to fertilizing our lawns, have a significant impact on our water environment. As a resident, you can help reduce the amount of pollution entering the storm sewer system and reaching the Grand River and Lake Michigan.

    Why is Storm Water Important?

    Many people think that most water pollution is the result of industrial chemical dumping or sanitary sewer overflows. However, water quality is significantly affected by things we do every day. When it rains, stormwater picks up debris from roads, chemicals from lawns, oil from cars and bacteria from animal waste. These pollutants make their way through our storm sewer system and into our waterways, impairing water quality. When it rains, storm water flows over lawns, streets, and parking lots carrying with it road dirt, fertilizers, oil, and grease into storm drains, which are often located alongside streets and parking lots.

     Where do Storm Drains Lead? 

    Storm drains lead directly to nearby streams and lakes without any type of treatment. Stormwater entering storm drains or catch basins in the City of Hudsonville ultimately reaches the Grand River and Lake Michigan. As part of the Rush Creek Water Watershed, the City of Hudsonville supports keeping our waterways clean and clear of pollution. For more information on Rush Creek, click here.

Help Prevent Stormwater Pollution 
Never dump grass clippings, vehicle fluids, or anything else down a storm drain.

Dispose of used motor oil, unwanted paints, old cell phones, cleaners and other household hazardous waste at your county collection center (see below under Household Hazardous Waste)

Build a Rain Garden
Dispose of pet waste in a trash can
Avoid fertilizing your lawn before a rain storm


For more tips on preventing stormwater pollution please visit Lower Grand River Organizations of Watersheds Pollution Solutions.


What is Illicit Discharge in the Storm Sewer?

An illicit discharge is a substance other than stormwater that ends up in the storm sewer system. It is any discharge (or seepage) to the separate storm water drainage system not composed entirely of storm water or uncontaminated groundwater.


Sources of Illicit Discharge

  • Improper disposal of automobile fluids or household wastes
  • Improper oil disposal
  • Discharge from septic tanks and fields
  • Spills from roadway accidents
  • Radiator flushing disposal
  • Laundry wastewaters
  • Leaves, debris, or other yard waste that is raked into a storm drain

Exemptions- it is ok for the following to enter the storm sewer system:

  • Landscape irrigation
  • Discharges from potable water sources
  • Air conditioning condensate
  • Water from crawl space pumps
  • Foundation drains

If you see anyone dumping something into a storm drain, inlet, river or stream, please contact the Department of Public Works at 616-669-0200.


Household Hazardous Waste

Household Hazardous Wastes (HHW) are leftover, unwanted or unusable household products that contain hazardous ingredients. A household product is considered hazardous if it is toxic (poisonous), flammable, caustic (causes burns), or chemically reactive. For example, oil-based paint, drain cleaners, pool chemicals, some pesticides, hobby supplies, used motor oil, car batteries, and antifreeze contain hazardous ingredients.

Dumping HHW improperly can cause contamination of the environment and may pose a health hazard to you. Some of these items can be reused, others can be recycled, and some of them must be treated as hazardous waste. The Ottawa County Health Department offers free disposal of HHW at any Environmental Sustainability Centers.

For more information call (616) 393-5645.


Links to additional storm water information