Public Works Programs

The Westmont Public Works Department is involved with a number of programs that benefit our residents and businesses. Following is a list of some of these programs.

STORM DRAIN STENCILING PROGRAM

The Storm Drain Stenciling Project invites community volunteers to work together to mark storm drains with safety messages so that people know they should not put dangerous materials into the storm sewer system.  The Westmont Public Works Department coordinates the effort and supplies all materials. Event publicity and sign-up information is published each spring.

NO MOW 'TIL MOTHER'S DAY PROGRAM

The No Mow Till Mother’s Day Program, which was developed by the Westmont Environmental Improvement Committee, was launched in 2021. This initiative invites residents to not mow their lawns through Mother’s Day for the purpose of helping the local ecology, specifically the habitats of pollinators. The program aligns with the values of the Mayor's Monarch Butterfly Pledge, which is coordinated through the National Wildlife Federation and was approved locally by the Westmont Village Board.

Westmont residents who wish to participate in the program will need to sign up via the online form.  Once enrolled, participants will not be subject to lawn mowing code enforcement through Mother’s Day.  Regular lawn care code enforcement will resume after the program is over, the day after Mother’s Day.  People may choose to participate by designating a specific section of their property for the no mow event, rather than not mowing their entire yard. Look for more details and sign-up information to be published in the early spring. 

RIVER SWEEP PROGRAM

Each spring, volunteers from more than 20 communities throughout DuPage County, including the Village of Westmont, work together to participate in the annual DuPage River Sweep Program. Organized by the Conservation Foundation, the River Sweep Program is dedicated to preserving open space and natural lands, protecting rivers and watersheds, and promoting stewardship of the environment in northeast Illinois by cleaning debris from area waterways. Over the years, thousands of pounds of garbage have been cleared out of local creeks and many invasive species have been removed creating a healthier environment for its inhabitants. For more information, visit the Conservation Foundation website.

ADOPT-A-PLANTER PROGRAM

The Adopt-A-Planter Program was launched in 2020 as a result of village budget cuts in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Residents and businesses were asked to adopt a planter and be responsible for it over the summer. The program was an immediate success and became an annual event. The program not only encourages community involvement, but beautifies our downtown central business district as well.  

Residents, businesses, and organizations can sign up for the program, and once plans are approved, they will be assigned a planter.  Then participants will adopt their planter and be responsible for purchasing the plants and flowers, planting them, and providing general maintenance and care throughout the summer and fall.  Westmont Public Works will be responsible for watering the planters.  The Village will place an adoption sign in each planter identifying the people and businesses who are sponsoring the planter.

Look for annual sign-up information to be publicized near the beginning of spring.

RAIN BARREL PROGRAM

The Village of Westmont works with the Conservation Foundation to assist residents in becoming more eco-friendly. One of the initiatives of the Conservation Foundation is to promote and encourage residents to purchase rain barrels, which save money and help the environment.

A rain barrel is a container that captures and stores rainwater draining from your roof. Barrels usually range from 50 to 80 gallons and have a spigot for filling watering cans and a connection for a soaker hose. Following are some of the benefits of using a rain barrel as part of your eco-friendly gardening.

  • Save Money. Reduce your water bill with a rain barrel’s water catch. A typical gardener can save as much as 1,300 gallons of water during the growing season. Landscape watering typically accounts for up to 40% of a homeowner’s water use during the summer.
  • Reduce Runoff Pollution & Erosion. Runoff from rains pick up soil, oil, pesticides, fertilizers and other contaminants and push them to other areas. When these pollutants accumulate they contribute to algae growth in lakes and alter the habitat for fish and other aquatic wildlife which can also make lakes and oceans dangerous for humans and other mammals. 
  • Promote Plant & Soil Health. Rainwater is better for your landscaping because it’s highly oxygenated and more importantly free of salts, fluoride and inorganic ions. Use of rainwater in your garden also makes plants more drought-tolerant.
  • Conserve Water. Storing rainwater can do a world of good for the environment. You’ll have your own water source in times of mild drought or watering restrictions. The average rainfall of one inch within a 24 hour period can produce more than 700 gallons of water that run off a typical house.
  • Wash Cars & Windows. Rain water is free of calcium, chlorine, and lime making the water from your rain barrel a great option for washing your car. Since it’s soft water, it won’t hurt your car’s paint or damage windows. And, you’ll be saving some of that precious tap water for more practical uses, like drinking.

Due to current budget constraints, no rain barrel purchase subsidies are available at this time. However, rain barrels and accessories are available for purchase through the Conservation Foundation website. 

ADDITIONAL PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMS

  • 50/50 SIDEWALK PROGRAM
  • PARKWAY TREE PLANTING PROGRAM
  • TREE SEEDLING GIVE-AWAY
  • PUMPKIN COMPOSTING PROGRAM

For more information, please contact the Public Works Department at publicworks@westmont.il.gov