Urban refers largely to residential and commercial land users.  Collecting and treating storm water runoff from roofs and concrete surfaces is the primary resource concern for urban residents.

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• Rain gardens are depressions built to a calculated size used to collect runoff and “treat” or filter the water with native plants that are highly adapted to our local environment, thus sending cleaner water to our storm water drainage systems and eventually our waterways.

• Rain Barrels are containers that collect and store rainwater from roofs to be used to water plants and gardens.  Typically, one would cut their downspout to the appropriate height and insert the rain barrel underneath so the downspout water can collect in the barrel.  There are many types of diverters and connectors to capture and use the collected water.

• Pervious Surfaces (pavement/concrete/pavers) refer to surfaces that allow water to seep through and infiltrate into the soil to be treated.  Storm water runoff from driveways, sidewalks, parking lots, etc is typically very dirty, and this water is going directly to our waterways. This is a great practice to consider, especially if undergoing new construction.