It takes a community to protect our water resources.  If you discover or observe illegal dumping or an illicit discharge, place a request for service/report it by calling Public Works at 563.326.7923, or by submitting a request for service on-line. 

Illicit Discharge

Materials or liquids, other than precipitation, placed in the stormwater collection and conveyance system outfall directly into the nearest water body without being cleaned.

Materials or liquids, other than precipitation, placed in the stormwater collection and conveyance system are considered an illicit discharge. This includes improper connections to stormwater pipes, dumping materials down stormdrains, catch basins or other stormwater inlets, or pushing material such as grass clipping and leaves to the street. Property owners can be fined and are required to correct illicit discharges reported or discovered through inspection. 

Refer to Chapter 13.36 of Davenport City Code for additional details.

Illegal Dumping

Not only is illegal dumping unattractive, but it is hazardous to our natural resources, poses a threat to public health and is expensive. A first citation for illegal dumping can cost between $250 and $1000. The city and county provide a number of convenient options for solid waste disposal. If you see someone dumping materials illegally, call 911.

Native plants play a significant role in helping the City reduce its impact on the environment by: reducing water run-off, stabilizing soils and by reducing emissions and labor costs necessary to maintain more traditional plant materials such as grass.

Native plants require fire. Without fire, native plants can get shaded out by invasive brush species. Regular burns, or controlled burns, gives native plants a competitive advantage over exotic weeds and helps the plants to thrive.

When a burn of native plant material is required, the City of Davenport follows industry standards for prescribed burn planning and safety. Only staff trained in conducting controlled burns performs this type of maintenance and burns are only conducted when weather conditions permit a burn to be conducted safely. Generally conditions to conduct controlled burns are between the middle of March to the middle of May and the middle of October to the middle of November.

Find more information on native plants and controlled burns at this link.

Scheduled Burns

Check for upcoming burn notices under What's New.

Smoke Allergies and Asthma

The City will attempt to burn only on those days when wind conditions are predicted to be low or when wind conditions will conduct smoke away from occupied buildings. Closeness of some buildings to the burn areas may mean that smoke will be present and may enter buildings despite best efforts to prevent it. It is recommended that persons with smoke allergies or asthma keep their windows closed during the burn period and afterwards for several hours. These persons may also wish to leave their homes, if they are able, during the burn to avoid smoke inhalation.

The Storm Water Advisory Committee provides input concerning appropriate storm water management policies and programs, best management practices and funding sources with the primary purpose to minimize increases in stormwater runoff, pollution and soil erosion as well as improve the quality of our natural resources and streams.

Find out more at this link.

The City of Davenport and the Partners of Scott County Watersheds have been partnering to monitor local water quality since 2000.  Data collected during Snapshot Water Quality Sampling Events, and during other collection timeframes, is invaluable in helping us monitor the water quality of local waterways, identify water quality issues, and implement strategies to reduce pollution of our waterways.

Visit our partner’s website to find out more about water quality monitoring, local data, and how to volunteer to help us monitor local water quality - http://www.partnersofscottcountywatersheds.org/category/snapshots/. 

Invasive and noxious weeds threaten the biodiversity of our riparian zones and all habitats they exist. Controlling the spread in the on-going effort to eradicate these weeds supports soil health, habitat, and stormwater run-off. Find out if these species live on your property and how to manage or eliminate these invasive weeds on your property. 

• List of Invasive and Noxious Weeds Commonly Found in Davenport
• Garlic Mustard Impacts, Identification and Removal Fact Sheet
  • Garlic Mustard | Video Version of Fact Sheet
• Japanese Knotweed Impacts, Identification and Removal Fact Sheet
  •  Japanese Knotweed | Video Version of Fact Sheet

Local creeks and their riparian zones are great places to explore whether you are young or old. Just keep these things in mind when you explore.

• Don’t drink the water. Bacteria naturally exists in all surface waters. You should always wash hands with treated/tap water or other hand sanitizers before eating or touching your eyes and mouth. You should also refrain from entering creeks if you have an open sore or cut. Duck Creek, in particular, has an e-coli level that classifies the waterway at a non-recreational level; however, you can safely use or recreate in the water if you use the precautions noted.  You can find out more about stream designations at this link. 
• Bring a first aid kit.
• Have a floatation or rescue device available if you are able. Remember, there is no lifeguard on duty. Just like any park, use creeks at your own risk.
• Be mindful, slick or unstable spots, and debris is possible below the surface.  Wade with caution, get to know the surroundings below the surface.
• Take out what you bring in. Consider picking up trash, and debris others have left behind if you are able.
• Do not use the creek after a significant rain event.  Rain can cause creeks to swell in depth and increase the water current to unsafe levels.

You can help improve our waterways while enjoying them, too!  Consider helping us monitor local water quality or coordinating a cleanup along your favorite stream location. Find details at the links below.

• Partners of Scott County Watersheds
• Xstream Cleanup