Accepting applications! In its 28th year, the Water Quality Improvement Program (WQIP) grant provides funding to projects exhibiting a regional water quality benefit, including restoration and green infrastructure projects. Under the program, organizations and individuals may apply for reimbursement of up to 25 percent of costs for projects that improve water quality. Since the grant program began in 2000, DuPage County has awarded approximately $7.2 million to 125 projects, such as permeable paver parking lots, green roofs, and native vegetation, with $300,000 awarded annually. Applicants may apply virtually through a WQIP Grant Application portal. The application deadline is Jan. 8, 2027. To access the portal and download the WQIP Grant Application Packet, visit the County's website.

[Springfield, IL] — In recognition of Stormwater Awareness Week, the Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts (AISWCD) is highlighting the Illinois Urban Manual (IUM) as the premier state standard for safeguarding communities from urban flooding, soil erosion and water pollution. As intense weather events increasingly challenge local infrastructure, the IUM provides the foundation for effective stormwater management and soil erosion control across Illinois. The Illinois Urban Manual is a critical resource used by engineers, developers, and municipal officials. It offers a comprehensive set of practice standards designed to minimize the environmental impact of urban development. By implementing these certified techniques, local communities can drastically reduce sediment runoff, protect aquatic habitats and mitigate costly localized flooding. "Stormwater management is not just an engineering challenge; it is a vital component of community resilience," said Kathy Chernich, Assistant Chief, Regulatory Branch, Permits and Enforcement of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Chicago District. "During Stormwater Awareness Week, we want to emphasize that tools like the Illinois Urban Manual are essential for designing smarter, cleaner and more sustainable urban spaces that protect our shared water resources." The IUM serves as the primary technical reference recognized by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) and local stormwater management authorities. Designed to streamline the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit implementation, the manual provides certified Best Management Practices (BMPs) that ensure development sites minimize sediment runoff and prevent off-site pollution. Throughout Stormwater Awareness Week, Illinois soil and water conservation districts will be sharing educational resources to help residents and professionals understand how sustainable stormwater practices protect local properties and ecosystems. To learn more about the Illinois Urban Manual and how to implement its standards in your community, visit illinoisurbanmanual.com. Funding for the Illinois Urban Manual is provided, in part, by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) through section 604b of the Clean Water Act. ###

Winter Best Practices for Public Roads *Virtual and in-person options! The workshops feature innovative, local Salt Smart practices for public roads. The training was created with input from local public works and county DOT staff to provide an overview of current and next level practices to meet annual training needs.   Salt Smart Certified Parking Lots & Sidewalks *Virtual! (Full training and refresher courses available) Salt Smart Certified workshops are geared towards both private contractors and public agencies with a local focus on industry-accepted best practices for parking lots and sidewalks.   Registration available at: saltsmart.org/workshops/

Planting the future of the industry! Join students, educators and industry professionals for a full day of demonstrations, networking and career explorations in the exciting and growing field of arboriculture. October 7, 8am-4pm at the Morton Arboretum REGISTER SPONSOR

EPA announced the availability of $10.8 million in grant funding to support training for workers in the water sector, with an emphasis on recruiting and training workers as utilities face anticipated retirements, aging infrastructure and evolving technical demands. Deadline October 5, 2026 DETAILS