This is a great question because it opens the conversation for stormwater management! This large sector of sustainability can present surprisingly complex challenges. Precipitation causes water runoff, which commonly collects pollutants from our streets. After going into our sewers, it's possible for these pollutants to make their way into our waterways. It's reasonable to suggest drain filters to minimize the amount of pollutants that may end up in our waterways. Unfortunately, the
solution isn't this simple! Filtered drains may increase the risk of clogged drains due to pollutants and organic materials. If the filters aren't maintained, clogged drains would cause flooding in urban areas, increasing pollution via runoff and causing health concerns for urban populations.
The solution to minimize pollutants into our waterways is a primary concern of stormwater management. Organizations, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), are combatting water pollution through “
green infrastructure”. This approach filters stormwater naturally through soils and
other technologies. Historically, stormwater management has been done through “gray infrastructure" which redirects water runoff to areas away from our communities. These systems are aging and losing their efficiency. The difference between these two approaches is that “green infrastructure” manages stormwater where it falls. It filters stormwater through plant and soil systems, permeable surfaces, water recycle and reuse, and other landscaping to reduce overflow to standard sewage systems.
