The Southeast Stormwater Association (SESWA), in partnership with the City of Dunwoody, is working to educate the public about protecting water quality by preventing pollution to storm drains.
Though often unseen, storm drains are found throughout our communities, working to prevent localized flooding and protect public safety by directing rainwater away from streets and parking lots to surface waters. These drains are necessary since impervious surfaces such as concrete, asphalt and rooftops prevent infiltration and increase runoff. Storm drains help convey that extra runoff back to the environment.
This is a positive service for the community but can also be a source of pollution if non-rainwater discharges enter the stormwater drainage system. Things like soapy water from washing cars, fertilizer overspray from lawns, pet waste left in our backyards or drainage from outdoor storage locations can all be washed into storm drains during rain events and then into our environment.
Volunteer event
On April 24, the Southeast Stormwater Association sent 13 volunteers along with staff from the City of Dunwoody to place metal markers on 29 area storm drains and hang 135 door hangers on the residences nearby to educate the community about the purpose of the stormwater drainage system and how everyone can protect water quality by preventing discharges to the system.
This event complimented the city’s already successful and comprehensive campaign to mark storm drains that has been mostly completed by local Scouting groups. The effort with SESWA’s stormwater professionals served to reach parts of the community and the drainage system that was considered unsafe for the younger Scouts to access due to traffic, but that represents a typical working environment for stormwater professionals. In this way, the partnership was a huge success and helped to strengthen the city’s commitment to protecting water quality.
Collaboration
“I was excited to have our stormwater professionals participate in this event. We were all familiar with storm drain marking, but not all of us had actually done it. It was a great way for SESWA members from all over the Southeast to put into action many of the ideals and practices we advocate for everyday” said SESWA President and project organizer John Butler.
Executive Director, Danielle Hopkins said “SESWA is dedicated to providing year-round information and educational opportunities to ensure that Stormwater management in the Southeast remains at the forefront of the industry. Our annual Regional Stormwater Seminar allows us to apply these lessons learned in a practical setting.”
“Collaborating with the local community to host this event is a true pleasure, and we are excited to continue this tradition in various communities across the Southeast each year,” Hopkins continued.
About SESWA
The Southeast Stormwater Association was formed in 2005 to assist stormwater professionals in the southeast as they seek solutions to surface water quality and stormwater management challenges.
SESWA’s boundaries mirror those of EPA Region IV and include the states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. With a primary focus on services to stormwater professionals in city and county governments, membership is also available to those in state, regional and local governments, the private sector, non-profit organizations and academia.
SESWA is the only regional stormwater association dedicated to improving surface water quality and advancing the interests of stormwater professionals and programs.
For more information about the organization, visit seswa.org.
