For centuries we believed that engineering was our best way out of our problems. Dealing with stormwater has been no different. But the role of natural systems is slowly being recognized as a smarter way to manage water.
Natural systems include forested watersheds, riparian corridors, aquifer systems, wetlands, green stormwater infrastructure, and other natural or nature-mimicking features. These natural assets can protect water quality, regulate water supply, manage stormwater, and reduce flooding in ways that engineered systems cannot do alone. They can also provide a wide range of additional environmental and community benefits, such as carbon sequestration, wildlife habitat, urban heat island mitigation, recreational access, and improved quality of life.
Alongside our engineered solutions, we have also restricted our approach to political boundaries. We treat stormwater as a nation, a state, a county, or a township problem. It is none of those.
It is a watershed problem.
Watersheds are far more than hydrologic systems. They are interconnected networks of environmental processes, infrastructure, regulations, technology, and communities. Better decisions and greater resilience come from understanding these connections and thinking beyond traditional boundaries.
A watershed approach may be a better alternative for managing stormwater, one built on coordination between community-based watershed organizations and local governments working together to find natural-systems solutions.
Let’s talk about it in person
Join the Fayette County Stormwater Manager and the H2O Water Network to connect and share ideas with local officials on how to manage stormwater. October 20th at the Fayette County Recycling Center.
Details and Registration