Why should we manage stormwater?
Stormwater that is not absorbed into the ground has to go somewhere - preferably somewhere that doesn't cause flooding or poor water quality.
Stormwater management is a cross-jurisdictional collaboration that weighs historical information, current conditions, and future plans and development to help keep stormwater from creating flooding and water quality problems.
Flooding Affects Everyone
During Sedgwick County's “rainy season,” which is usually in the spring, neighborhoods throughout the county can experience flooding. And, the fact that your home has never flooded before is not a guarantee that it won’t happen in the future. The frequent addition of roads, buildings and parking lots make our lives easier, but also make floods more likely and more severe. So, even if you are not at risk of flooding today, tomorrow may be a different story.
Click here to read about flooding issues in Sedgwick County. If you are concerned about flooding in your area or have been informed that you live in a flood plain, please feel free to contact the Sedgwick County Floodplain Manager, Kelly Dixon, by phone at (316) 660-1840 or by email at kelly.dixon@sedgwick.gov. You may also visit the website www.floodsmart.gov.
Stormwater Affects Water Quality
Stormwater not absorbed by the ground, or stormwater runoff, can be damaging to the environment and contributes to flooding. In fact, it's the number 1 water pollution problem in the United States.
This runoff carries debris, chemicals and other pollutants into storm sewers or directly into the creeks, rivers, and lakes we use for fishing, swimming, and drinking water. Managing this runoff, or stormwater management, is necessary to protect our water quality, but it's also expensive.
Click here to read about water quality in Sedgwick County.
The choices we make affect our ability to manage stormwater. Everyone can play an important role in reducing stormwater runoff and the problems and costs that accompany it. The solutions start with paying attention to stormwater at home, at work and in our communities. Review the below stormwater pollution prevention topics: