Stormwater/Stormwater Utility
Due to the increasingly stringent stormwater run off quality standards established by the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Natural Resources, Dane County, City of Madison and surrounding communities in the Madison area, including McFarland, formed a joint Storm Water Permit Group. As part of this group, McFarland is required to manage its stormwater run off.
Stormwater is more than just water. Rain and snowmelt wash dirt, grease, trash and other items from yards, roads, parking lots and other hard surfaces into storm drains and ditches that empty directly into our detention ponds, lakes, streams and rivers. Stormwater also carries excess nutrients, like phosphorus, which result in green and smelly ponds. The only way to protect and ensure that our ponds, lakes, and streams remain clean is to make sure only rain, and nothing else, goes into the storm drains and ditches. With this in mind, it is important for residents to follow the following guidelines:
- Do not mow to the edge of a detention basin.
- Do not use the detention pond for anything other than it's intended purpose (no fishing, boating, swimming, ice skating, etc.).
- Reduce the amount and kind of fertilizers used on your lawns.
- Do not blow grass or leaves into the streets (violation of Village Ordinance).
- Pick up after your pets.
A Stormwater Utility fee was implemented on July 1, 2008.