Stormwater Management

In areas where a wastewater system and stormwater system are combined – a Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) system - rain falls on the ground, "runs off" and flows into the wastewater system. This water is referred to as stormwater or stormwater runoff.

Residents can help mitigate storm water runoff by planting native plants and rain gardens. Rain barrels are also helpful in putting rainwater to good use while protecting our precious resources.

Over the years, some CSO systems can become overwhelmed by the influx of stormwater due to population growth, land use, flooding events, etc. In these cases, it is necessary to separate the systems, so they are no longer combined. This work is occurring in our Alton District. Learn more here.