Lakewood Stormwater Ordinance: Report Illicit Discharges

Utilities and Infrastructure Colorado 3 Minutes Read · published February 21, 2026 Flag of Colorado

In Lakewood, Colorado the Public Works Stormwater program manages the municipal storm drainage system and enforces controls on illicit discharges to protect water quality and public infrastructure. If you see a discharge to a storm drain, creek, gutter, or outfall that looks like sewage, industrial waste, paint, oil, or other contaminants, report it promptly to Lakewood Public Works via the official Stormwater Program page Lakewood Public Works Stormwater Program[1] or the citys Report a Concern portal Report a Concern[2]. Acting quickly helps crews contain pollution and protects downstream waters.

How to report an illicit storm drain discharge

When reporting, provide location, time, observable materials or color/odor, and any vehicle or property details. Use the online report form or call the Public Works contact listed on the city pages. If there is an immediate threat to health or safety, contact emergency services first.

  • Call or use the online "Report a Concern" form for non-emergencies.
  • Note exact location, photos, and time of observation for investigators.
  • Do not attempt to enter contaminated water or collect samples unless authorized.
Report early—small discharges can cause large downstream impacts.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City of Lakewood enforces stormwater protections through its Public Works Stormwater program. Specific monetary penalties, escalation for repeat or continuing offences, and appeal time limits are not specified on the cited city pages; refer to the Lakewood Public Works Stormwater information and the Report a Concern instructions for enforcement contacts and procedures Lakewood Public Works Stormwater Program[1]. The stormwater pages identify Public Works as the responsible department for inspections and response.

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation (first/repeat/continuing): not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: investigation orders, cleanup directives, and referral to legal action or court; specific measures not fully itemized on the cited page.
  • Enforcer: City of Lakewood Public Works - Stormwater program; inspection and complaint intake via the city pages.
  • Appeals/review: not specified on the cited page; contact Public Works for appeal procedures and time limits.
Official pages list Public Works as the enforcer but do not publish fine schedules on the stormwater pages.

Applications & Forms

The city provides an online "Report a Concern" form for reporting discharges and a Stormwater Program information page with guidance; no separate permit or variance form specific to reporting illicit discharges is published on the cited pages.

FAQ

How quickly will the city respond after I report an illicit discharge?
The city responds based on severity and resource availability; the Stormwater Program page and Report a Concern portal list contact routes but do not specify guaranteed response times.
Can I remain anonymous when reporting?
Yes, reporters can often submit concerns without identifying information through the online form, but providing contact details helps investigators follow up; check the Report a Concern portal for options.
Will I be fined for reporting an illicit discharge?
Reporting a concern will not result in a fine for the reporter; enforcement actions and fines target the responsible party and are set according to city procedures, which are not fully detailed on the cited pages.

How-To

  1. Document the incident: record time, location, photos, color, odor, and any nearby activities.
  2. Submit an online report at the Report a Concern page or call the Public Works contact on the Stormwater Program page.
  3. Follow up if you have new information and cooperate with inspectors if contacted.

Key Takeaways

  • Report visible discharges promptly to protect water quality.
  • Use Lakewoods official Stormwater and Report a Concern pages for fastest response.
  • Public Works handles enforcement; specific fines and appeal windows are not published on the cited pages.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Lakewood Public Works Stormwater Program
  2. [2] Lakewood Report a Concern

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