SMC Jumps into Action to Respond to Flooding in Lake County
 Last month, Lake County experienced flooding along the Des Plaines and Fox Rivers. Thanks to a rainy April, the county averaged over eight inches of rain, with the northwest section of the county reaching over 10 inches. This, on top of the 9 to 12 inches of rain received in parts of southern Wisconsin, led to Lake County reaching Major Flood status.
On April 15, the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission's (SMC) Flood Threat Alert level changed to Orange status, which means flooding is extremely likely or moderate flooding is occurring. Field Teams were deployed and spent 18 days out in the field. When SMC reached Red status, or Major Flood, there were up to four field teams deployed at once.
The drone team visited 30 different sites and ran 42 drone flights. They recorded over 24 hours of footage in a five-day period. The Des Plaines River team visited over 10 flood problem areas to observe and record peak flood levels and impacts. The Des Plaines River crested on April 19 in the Gurnee area and April 20 in the Lincolnshire area.
The Upper Fox River and Chain O’Lakes team installed 15 stakes to monitor flood levels and capture the crest on April 22. The Lower Fox River team surveyed highwater marks 19 times at nine different locations, creating over 170 readings. This area crested on April 23.
To keep residents informed, SMC shared flooding updates from April 15 to May 1, including over 20 Facebook posts, 12 emails to partner organizations, and added a Flood Response webpage with helpful flooding resource links. Chief Engineer Brian Frank gave three interviews to media outlets to inform greater Chicagoland about flooding in our county.
SMC staff also coordinated with partners, including outside organizations and the Lake County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) and Division of Transportation (DOT), to manage the response to flooding and prepare for a potential emergency. SMC’s Flood Threat Alert was canceled on May 5.
We’re proud of the work our team did and how we assisted our residents when needed!
Last Chance to Register for the Lake/McHenry MS4 Workshop
This is your last chance to register for the annual Lake-McHenry MS4 Workshop! Focused on "Effective Green Infrastructure," the workshop will be held virtually and in-person on Friday, May 15, from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Lake County Central Permit Facility, Second Floor Conference Room, 500 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville.
Featured speakers will include Jeff Edstrom with the Illinois EPA, who has unique insight into the Illinois EPA 319 grant program and green infrastructure initiatives. Additional presentations provided by Jack Pizzo, with the Pizzo Group, and the University of Illinois Extension will include guidance on the successful implementation of green infrastructure and the maintenance that is vital for compliance and protecting water quality, followed by case studies of best management practices implemented by the Villages of Algonquin and Glenview.
This program is designed to educate staff who manage green infrastructure, fulfill training requirements for communities with MS4 Permits, and anyone interested in protecting our water quality.
All participants will be eligible for three Professional Development Hours (PDHs). A light breakfast and refreshments will be provided for in-person attendees.
The Lake-McHenry MS4 Workshop is proud to be sponsored by the Des Plaines River Watershed Workgroup (DRWW). Learn more about this workgroup on their website at drww.org.
Be Informed and Be Flood Ready
With recent flooding in areas of Lake County, it's important to understand flood risks, flood insurance, property protection, and floodplain regulations. Flooding can occur at any time throughout Lake County due to watershed conditions, rainfall, rivers, and shoreline influences.
Flood insurance is available to Lake County property owners and renters and can help cover damages not included in standard homeowners’ policies. Coverage is available both inside and outside FEMA floodplains, though insurance may be required for certain properties with mortgages in mapped flood areas.
Development and substantial improvements in flood-prone areas require permits and must comply with floodplain regulations to reduce risk and protect neighboring properties. Residents are encouraged to contact Lake County Planning, Building and Development Department before construction or grading in flood-prone areas.
Residents should learn about their flood risk and steps they can take to reduce potential impacts by visiting the Lake County Planning, Building & Development Flood Information page and the Stormwater Management Commission Flooding Guidance & Technical Documents.
Mark Your Calendar!
Bangs Lake Project Ribbon Cutting - May 18
Join the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC), Wauconda Mayor Jeff Sode, the Lake County Board and state legislators in celebrating the completion of the Bangs Lake Outfall Improvements Project on Monday, May 18 at 10 a.m. at Phil's Beach in Wauconda.
This infrastructure project created proper drainage for Bangs Lake and flood damage reduction benefits to more than 70 properties and eight roads. This project includes almost 4,000 feet of stream improvements, along with a new lake outfall structure, retaining wall, storm sewer and box culverts.
Partial funding for this project is provided by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).
Winter Best Practices Workshops
Save the date for this year's Winter Best Practices Workshops taking place from September through November. There will be a mix of in-person and virtual options available for Public Roads and Parking Lots & Sidewalks workshops.
SMC is hosting the Pubic Roads workshop on September 29 in Libertyville. Registration information is coming soon.
Lake County Calibration Workshop
Lake County will be hosting a FREE in-person calibration event in Libertyville on November 5. This is an opportunity to bring winter maintenance vehicles to be calibrated. One-hour time slots will be available. Full details will be available soon.
Grant Opportunities
2026 Coastal Management Grants
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Coastal Management Program (CMP) is accepting Coastal Grants until May 20 at 5 p.m.
This provides funding for projects that advance the mission of CMP to protect, preserve, and restore the natural and cultural resources of the Illinois Lake Michigan shoreline. All projects applying for grants must be located in the Lake Michigan watershed.
Sustain Our Great Lakes Grants
The Sustain Our Great Lakes program from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is accepting proposals to benefit fish, wildlife, habitat, and water quality in the Great Lakes basin until May 28.
All project proposals must be located in the Lake Michigan watershed.
A Note from Executive Director, Kurt Woolford
May is American Wetlands Month—a celebration of one of nature's most productive ecosystems. Marking its 50th year, this is a great reminder of how impactful wetlands are on our lives. Wetlands store an estimated 35% of our planet's carbon and an acre of wetland can hold over a million gallons of flood water. They deserve to be celebrated for all they do!
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