Report Illicit Stormwater Discharge - Colorado Springs

Utilities and Infrastructure Colorado 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 08, 2026 Flag of Colorado

In Colorado Springs, Colorado, reporting illicit stormwater discharges helps protect local waterways and ensures compliance with municipal stormwater rules. This guide explains who enforces stormwater rules, how to file a report or complaint, likely enforcement steps, and practical action steps to follow when you discover a prohibited discharge.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City of Colorado Springs enforces stormwater and illicit discharge rules through its stormwater program and code enforcement units. Specific fines and civil penalties are set out in the city's governing ordinances and enforcement procedures; where a precise monetary amount is not published on the cited pages, this guide notes "not specified on the cited page." For official reporting and program details see the city's stormwater report page and the municipal code referenced below.Report an illicit discharge[1] Municipal Code[2]

Report visible discharges immediately and, if safe, take photos for evidence.
  • Enforcer: City of Colorado Springs Stormwater Program and Code Enforcement.
  • Reported via the official online report form or by contacting Public Works/Stormwater; see links in Resources below.
  • Fines: not specified on the cited page. Exact fine amounts and schedules are listed in the municipal code or enforcement orders where published.
  • Escalation: enforcement may include warnings, notices of violation, civil fines, abatement orders, and referral to municipal or county court; specific escalation tiers or amounts are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: corrective orders, required cleanup/abatement, monitoring requirements, and possible stop-work or permit revocation in regulated projects.

Applications & Forms

The City provides an online reporting form for illicit discharges and stormwater complaints; there is no separate specialized permit solely for reporting an illicit discharge. Official forms and procedural details are on the stormwater reporting page linked above. If a permit or variance applies to a discharge (for example, authorized construction stormwater controls), those are handled under the city's permitting and stormwater management regulations and applications are published with the permitting office.

How enforcement works

When a complaint is received, staff may inspect the site, document the condition, issue notices, require corrective actions, and assess fines where authorized. The city may coordinate with state agencies where state water-quality rules apply. If an itemized fine or schedule is needed, refer to the municipal code or enforcement notices for the authoritative amounts.

Keep records of photos, dates, and communications to support a complaint.

Action steps to report a discharge

  • Document: note time, location, source, and take photos if safe.
  • Report: use the City of Colorado Springs illicit discharge report page or contact Public Works/Stormwater.Report an illicit discharge[1]
  • Follow up: request a case or reference number and ask for expected response time.
  • Appeal or review: appeal routes depend on the enforcement action; specific appeal time limits are not specified on the cited pages and should be confirmed on the municipal code or enforcement notice.

FAQ

How do I report an illegal discharge?
Use the City of Colorado Springs illicit discharge online report form or contact Public Works/Stormwater through the official report page.[1]
Will the city tell me the outcome?
City staff typically document complaints and may provide a case number; specific notification procedures vary and are described in enforcement communications.
Are there criminal penalties?
Criminal or civil referral depends on the violation and is determined under the municipal code; specific criminal penalties are not specified on the cited page.

How-To

  1. Observe and document the discharge: note location, time, visible source, and take photos.
  2. Use the City of Colorado Springs illicit discharge reporting page to submit details and photos.[1]
  3. Request a case number and ask for the expected response timeframe from Public Works/Stormwater.
  4. Preserve evidence and follow any instructions from city staff; comply with orders to remediate if you are responsible.
  5. If you disagree with enforcement, follow the appeal instructions on the enforcement notice or consult the municipal code for appeal deadlines and procedures.[2]

Key Takeaways

  • Report visible illicit discharges promptly using the official city form.
  • Keep photos and notes to support enforcement and any appeal.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Colorado Springs - Report an illicit discharge or illegal dumping
  2. [2] City of Colorado Springs - Municipal Code (library.municode.com)

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