Harvard is in the upper reaches of the Kishwaukee River Basin, which drains into the Rock River. Two creeks within Harvard's planning jurisdiction are classified as Class A Streams. The Illinois EPA classifies streams from A to E based on fishery resources and water quality. These special environmental areas are unique and require special attention. The City of Harvard has passed ordinances to help protect these unique resources, including water retention regulations, erosion control ordinances and a wetland and stream protection ordinances. The Harvard City Council further amended the land use plan so that the regulations can extend past the corporate limits.