Why do we need to manage stormwater?Stormwater runoff has been identified as the number one cause of pollution to rivers and streams, the source of our drinking water.
When it rains or snows, stormwater runoff:
- contributes to combined sewer overflows
- pollutes our rivers with fertilizers, oil and sediment
- destroys valuable aquatic and riparian habitat
- floods homes and businesses
PWD manages stormwater by building and maintaining public stormwater infrastructure and by regulating private development in the city.