Stormwater Management

Did you know that your health— and the economic health of your whole community—is directly tied to the quality of the water in your local rivers, lakes, and streams? That’s why it’s important to reduce the pollution that can get into stormwater—the water that flows on hard surfaces after it rains or snows and drains into local waterways.

There are a number of innovative solutions to manage and filter stormwater so that it doesn’t carry dirt, chemicals, and other pollutants to our rivers, lakes, and streams. Supporting community investment in stormwater management will help keep our waterways clean and you and your family healthy.

From green roofs that absorb rainwater before it can flow off a building to bioretention areas that filter stormwater before it flows to the sewer system, there are many ways that communities can beautify the landscape, remove pollutants from stormwater, and protect your health at the same time. Replacing hard paving with permeable pavers and installing pocket parks are other ways your community can keep stormwater from getting polluted. Adding this kind of “green infrastructure” and promoting green spaces can help protect our local waterways and improve our community.

Here are just a few of the benefits of investing in these innovative stormwater management projects:

• Increase the amount of rain that soaks into the ground and reduce the amount of polluted rain going down storm drains. 
• Minimize flooding by improving drainage on sidewalks, streets, and even your backyard. 
• Improve the community by creating attractive, green spaces that encourage physical activity, recreation, and natural habitat creation. 
• Reduce heat, noise, and air pollution in urban areas by replacing pavement where possible with plants.
• Promote economic growth and tourism and create local jobs from green infrastructure construction projects and maintenance activities.