Other ways your funding may be affected . . .

Water Infrastructure Network (WIN) has reported the need for "Clean and Safe Water in the 21st Century". The National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) requires communities be responsible for maintaining clean water -- even the water that falls from the heavens into your neighbor's sewer drain. If not, you may be slapped with a heavy fine. These fines are used to help put on workshops to discuss and evaluate issues on pollution.

Managing the discharge of pollutants into receiving waters will be a must, i.e., catchbasins, storm drains, ditches and man-made channels. Educating the public in managing precious resources is key! High costs to remedy the prevention of pollution in the community's waterways will involve all the community. "No Dumping" signs is only one way.

Even though the deadline for permit coverage is March 10, 2003, many Phase II governments will need to plan ahead. Three years is the maximum amount of time to issue a general permit. Others may have less than three years. You can start by gathering information required to receive your permit by that date.

•inventory your stormwater facility infrastructure
•write a stormwater pollution protection plan to include inspection and, establish six control measures