Giving Green Streets the Green Light: Improving Water Quality Through Capital Improvement Policies
Author
Cynthia R. Harris and Christina Libre
Date Released
June 2019
Giving Green Streets the Green Light: Improving Water Quality Through Capital Im

The vast majority of assessed water bodies across the United States are designated as impaired. Cities contribute to the problem with stormwater runoff from roads, buildings, sidewalks, and other impervious surfaces polluting our rivers, lakes and streams. Indeed, many localities are on the hook to meet a gamut of regulatory requirements, from MS4 permits to TMDLs in order to reduce polluted runoff. Innovative localities are turning to green infrastructure practices to reduce flooding, control erosion, and prevent polluted runoff from entering streams and other waterbodies.

Green Infrastructure

Green infrastructure is a way to collect and clean rainwater where it falls. It can reduce flooding, clean and conserve water, and provide recreational and other benefits to communities. ELI has partnered with Amigos Bravos to produce several short fact sheets about green infrastructure.

Additionally, ELI and Amigos Bravos have developed a guide for local governments seeking to integrate community input into green infrastructure projects.