Grand Rapids, MI Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Prohibited
- Any non-stormwater discharge into CSDS
- Standard
- Maximum Extent Practicable pollutant control
- Enforcer
- City Manager / ESD
- Penalty tool
- Notice of Violation, Cease and Desist
Summary
Grand Rapids bans discharging anything but stormwater into its City Stormwater Drainage System, requiring dischargers to keep pollutants out to the Maximum Extent Practicable under Chapter 32.
No person shall discharge or in any way contribute to or cause to be introduced, directly or indirectly, into the CSDS any substance or pollutant other than stormwater or an exempted discharge. Any person discharging stormwater into the CSDS shall effectively prohibit pollutants from being discharged with the stormwater to the Maximum Extent Practicable.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 70).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 32 of the Grand Rapids City Code establishes the City Stormwater Drainage System (CSDS) and prohibits discharging any substance other than stormwater or an exempted discharge, such as potable water line flushing or air-conditioning condensation, into it. Anyone discharging stormwater must effectively prevent pollutants from entering the CSDS to the Maximum Extent Practicable. The Environmental Services Department administers the program under the City's NPDES permit, and the City Manager can issue a Notice of Violation, Corrective Action Order, Cease and Desist Order, or Stop Work Order against a violator, along with a court appearance ticket for prosecution.
Violations & Fines
Illicit discharges into the CSDS violate Chapter 32; the City Manager can escalate from a Notice of Violation to a Cease and Desist Order, and the discharger is liable for cleanup costs under § 2.292.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I dump pool water into the storm drain in Grand Rapids?
Who enforces Grand Rapids' stormwater rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Grand Rapids
Compare Grand Rapids to another location·View the Michigan environmental rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Stormwater Management in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Kent County handle stormwater management.