Several plans for flood prevention and stormwater management were presented by DeKalb’s Engineering Division and the firm Donohue & Associates of Itasca to the DeKalb City Council in a meeting Monday.

At the meeting, Public Works Director Ron Naylor discussed studies done for a report for the DeKalb Stormwater Management Program. Areas of the city Naylor discussed included the northwest part of town from the Kishwaukee River to the residential areas north of the NIU campus, including Greek Row.

The studies examined drainage problems in about 20 of the city’s 29 naturally occurring water retention sites.

Daniel Lau, water resources engineer of Donohue & Associates, discussed ways homeowners can alleviate problems of stormwater flooding of streets and homes. Lau suggested homeowners place a check valve on sanitary sewers, which would cost between $2,000 and $4,000. He also said building a flood wall, possibly of brick, around homes would help prevent water damage. These projects could cost up to $50,000.

Many of the problems DeKalb residents have with flooding result from undersized storm sewers because of increased community development, Naylor said. Problems are especially prevalent on South Second and South Third streets.

In January, the council plans to discuss ways to help homeowners with flood prevention. The city has a $250,000 stormwater fund that could be used.

The purpose of the Stormwater Management Program is to relieve existing stormwater problems and prevent future problems.