INNOVATIVE
SOLUTIONS BENEFIT
THE COMMUNITY

As storm sewer systems across
the country age and continue to be
tested by extreme weather, many
communities are investing in green
infrastructure as a resilient and
effective approach to managing
the impact of stormwater. Green
infrastructure practices such as rain

gardens, green roofs, and permeable
pavements help reduce and treat
stormwater where the rain falls,
while providing numerous community
benefits.

Innovative green infrastructure
solutions are wise investments that
complement more traditional sewer
system components. Together they
can work efficiently and effectively to
manage the impact of stormwater and
bring value to communities.



~747*:

BE STORMWATER SMART

Know What Happens When It Rains

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ave you ever watched water
run down a gutter or pool on
the side of the road during a
storm? What happens to all the water?
Most stormwater—the water from rain
and snow—runs over the land and down
a storm drain. The water flows through
a network of underground pipes and
open channels directly to our streams,
rivers, and lakes. That's why keeping
stormwater clean is vital to the health
of our waterways, community, and even
our economy.

KNOW WHAT'S IN THE
FLOW

When water flows off our property after
a storm, what's on our lawns, roads,
buildings, and parking lots flows with
it. The water that doesn't soak into the
ground picks up oil, litter, fertilizer, and
other unhealthy items along its way that
wind up in our rivers, lakes, and streams.

Water pollution can start on your
property in ways you cannot see, but
that affect your health and the whole
community downstream. Watching
what we put in our storm drains and

Pollution travels downstream

and winds up in our rivers, lakes, and streams.

Storm sewer system

on our property makes our rivers, lakes,
and streams cleaner, healthier, and more
enjoyable. And by investing in solutions
to manage stormwater, we help make
our community a safer, greener,
healthier, and more enjoyable place to
live.

Stormwater is the water that flows over
the ground after it rains, snows, or sleets.
It can become polluted as it runs over
hard surfaces and flows downstream.

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