Green Stormwater Infrastructure

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What is Green Stormwater Infrastructure?

Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) uses vegetation, soil, and other permeable surfaces to capture stormwater where it falls. Whereas conventional stormwater systems (called "gray stormwater infrastructure") focus on moving water away from a site using gutters, pipes, and tunnels, green stormwater infrastructure is used to collect, filter, and absorb stormwater into the ground. By soaking up water (like a sponge) instead of redirecting it away (like a funnel), GSI can help to reduce stormwater runoff while providing water for on-site vegetation.

How Does Green Stormwater Infrastructure Work?

Image of Impervious Surfaces -- "hard" surfaces like roofs, roads, and parking lots that increase the volume of stormwater runoff.

Impervious ‘hard’ surfaces (such as roofs, roads, large areas of pavement, and asphalt parking lots) increase the volume and speed of stormwater runoff. Swift surges of water damage the natural landscape and deliver pollutants into canals and bodies of water.

Image of a pervious surface -- "soft" surfaces like green roofs or rain gardens that decrease the volume of stormwater by soaking it into the surface medium.

Pervious ‘soft’ surfaces (such as green roofs, rain gardens, permeable pavement, and retention basins) decrease the volume and speed of stormwater runoff. The slowed water seeps into the ground, which recharges the water table and filters out pollutants; native vegetation is also nurtured by the water.

Source: Diagram courtesy of the Integration and Application Network, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (ian.umces.edu). 

Rain to Roots Ambassador Program - Follow the Process!

Ambassador Meetings

September 13, 2023 Kick Off Meeting - presentation material

October 4, 2023 Meeting - presentation material

November 1, 2023 Meeting - presentation material 

December 6, 2023 Meeting - presentation material

January 2024 - No Meeting

February 7, 2024 Meeting - presentation material

March 6, 2024 - presentation material 

Next Meeting: Wednesday, April 3, 2024, 5:30 - 6:30 PM. 

Sustainability and Economic Vitality Council Committee Presentations

October 16, 2023 Meeting - presentation material

Types of Green Stormwater Infrastructure
Benefits of Green Stormwater Infrastructure
Rain to Roots Master Plan: Expanding GSI in Tempe
Rain to Roots Ambassador Program: Help Shape Your City!