Posted by Amy Ryan on 11/14/2023 9:53:10 AM
Hard surfaces, such as roads, sidewalks, and driveways, do not allow melting snow and rainwater to soak easily into soil in urban environments. Runoff flows down the street into storm drains that pour directly into our creeks and rivers. Urban development generally results in 5x or more runoff than natural spaces. This increases the volume of pollution (oil, metals, and bacteria) entering waterways and Lake Superior, which impacts water quality. Without stormwater controls, there is also a greater risk of downstream flooding. By managing our water naturally, we are helping keep our great Lake, Superior!
