The village of Glen Ellyn has passed an ordinance that aims to protect the area’s water systems from polluted water.

The ordinance, passed Oct. 26 at the board’s regular meeting, mandates that only storm water and melted snow are allowed to enter the village’s sewer system. There are a number of exemptions, though. For instance, water used during street cleaning, de-chlorinated pool water and water that comes from a fire hose or landscape irrigation can also enter the sewer system.

“It’s an anti-pollution measure in its simplest form,” said Bob Minix,cq professional engineer with the village’s Public Works department.

Minix said the streams in the village that receive storm water ultimately drain out to the east and west branches of the DuPage River.

Once the ordinance goes into effect, if polluted water is found, DuPage County would lead an investigation and ask the village to help trace the source of the pollution.

Glen Ellyn’s Public Works Director Joe Caracci would then act as chief enforcement officer, said Minix.

“He can take a variety of actions at that point to stop the problem,” Minix said.

Such actions could include fines for individuals and the enforcement of clean-up. Minix said in some cases, however, education would suffice.

Although the ordinance is effective immediately, the intergovernmental agreement it creates between the village and the county still must be approved by the county. Minix said enforcement may not begin until that approval comes.

Rob Swanson, a water quality specialist for DuPage County Storm Water Management, said the county has been approving municipal ordinances similar to Glen Ellyn’s as they are passed.

One area of the law still unsettled involves car washes. In drafting a model ordinance for municipalities to work off of, the county questioned the state on whether or not car washes for charities would be allowed.

Individuals can wash their cars in front of their houses or in their driveways.

The county drafted a letter to the state asking for clarity on the issue.

“We haven't received a formal response from the state,” Swanson said.

Minix said Glen Ellyn will allow charity car washes, such as those held by churches or schools. However, if a group wants to hold a car wash, it should come to the department of public works “and we will advise them how to conduct their car wash, so that it will utilize best practices,” Minix said.

He said the village also might create an educational brochure on what steps to take in order to make a car wash compliant with the ordinance.