Public Works

Safety, Accessibility & Infrastructure

The Public Works Department, located on Industrial Road, is comprised of the Highway Department and the Sewer Department. In any municipality, Public Works is a key component in maintaining public infrastructure and in enhancing the livability and beautification of the community.

The Highspire Public Works Department employs two full time and one seasonal Highway employee and seven full time and three part time sewer employees.

For specific department information, please click on the appropriate link under the Public Works in the above menu. The Public Works Department operates Monday – Friday 7:00am – 3:30pm.

Clean Water is Everybody’s Business

The most recent National Water Quality Inventory reports that runoff from urbanized areas is the leading source of water quality impairments to surveyed estuaries and the third-largest source of impairments to surveyed lakes.

Did you know that because of impervious surfaces like pavement and rooftops, a typical city block generates more than 5 times more runoff than a woodland area of the same size?

What can you do to reduce runoff and pollution?

Auto Care

Washing your car and degreasing auto parts at home can send detergents and other contaminants through the storm sewer system. Dumping automotive fluids into storm drains has the same result as dumping the materials directly into a water body.

  • Use a commercial car wash that treats or recycles its waste water, or wash your car on your yard to the water infiltrates into the ground.
  • Repair leaks and dispose of used auto fluids and batteries at designated drop off recycling locations.
Pet Waste

Pet waste can be a major source of bacteria and excess nutrients in local waters.

  • When walking your pet, remember to pick up the waste and dispose of it properly. Flushing pet waste is the best disposal method. Leaving pet waste on the ground increases public health risks by allowing harmful bacteria and nutrients to wash into the storm drain and eventually into local water bodies.
Lawn Care

Excess fertilizers and pesticides applied to lawns and gardens wash off and pollute streams. In addition, yard clippings and leaves can wash into storm drains and contribute nutrients and organic matter to streams.

  • Don’t over water your lawn. Consider using a soaker hose instead of a sprinkler.
  • Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly. When use is necessary, use the chemicals in the recommended amounts. Use organic mulch or safer pest control methods whenever possible.
  • Compost or mulch yard waste. Don’t leave it in the street or sweep it into the storm drains or streams.
  • Cover piles of dirt or mulch being used in landscaping projects.
Residential Landscaping
  • Rain Barrels can collect rainwater from rooftops in mosquito proof containers. The water can be used later on for lawn or garden areas.
  • Rain Gardens and Grassy Swales in specially designed areas planted with native plants can provide natural places for rainwater to collect and soak into the ground. Rain from rooftop areas or paved areas can be diverted into these areas rather than into storm drains.
  • Vegetated Filter Strips are areas of native grass or plants created along roadways or streams. They trap the pollutants storm water picks up as it flows across driveways and streets.