Green Infrastructure is a flexible term used to describe an array of products, technologies, and practices that all use natural or engineered systems that copy natural processes in order to enhance overall environmental quality while providing useful services. As a general principal, Green Infrastructure techniques use soils and vegetation to infiltrate, evaporate, and/or recycle storm water runoff.
Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper is putting together an inventory of the Green Infrastructure within the Buffalo and Niagara areas to showcase how environmental conscious our region is!
Rivercare: Green Infrastructure
Why Use a Rain Barrel?
Rain Barrels are an easy and important way for everyone to conserve water and reduce the amount of pollution being carried into our waterways. When excess water from rain or melting snow starts to flow, it finds its way to our stormwater drains. On its way there, it picks up any materials or particles that it comes in contact with, and carries them down the drain and into the waterways (i.e. Scajaquada Creek, Buffalo River, Niagara River). These materials can include: debris, soil, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, engine oil, gasoline, grease, radiator fluid, litter, etc. Setting up a rain barrel beneath a downspout collects fallen rain and preserves it.
- It prevents that rain from running down the street and into the closest stormwater drain.
- It prevents sewer systems from overflowing and spilling untreated sewage into local waterways.
- The water can be used to water your garden or wash your car, and whatever else you think of.
- Residents of Buffalo, Erie, and Niagara Counties: do your part to save water and reduce the amount of polluted runoff entering our streams, creeks, rivers, and lakes. Help us keep the rain from the drain! Set up a rain barrel!
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Buffalo–along with 771 other communities across America–operates a sewer system remaining from the nation’s early infrastructure called a “Combined Sewer System.” In theory, Combined Sewer Systems should collect all forms of wastewater (rainwater runoff, domestic sewage, industrial wastewater) and carry them to a sewage treatment plant to be treated before being discharged back into a body of water. Unfortunately, in periods of heavy rainfall or melting snow, the volume of wastewater can exceed the capacity of the sewer system. This results in a combined sewer overflow, where excess wastewater is released directly into nearby streams, rivers, or other waterways. These overflows are not just stormwater; they contain human waste, industrial waste, debris, pollutants, toxic materials, and any other particles that the runoff has collected. Using a rain barrel prevents water from reaching the ground, lessens the amount of water entering the sewer system, and lessens the amount of untreated water that is discharged during an overflow.
The EPA provides much more information regarding Combined Sewer Systems and overflows, which can be found here. Take the time to find out more about your water.
Find out more about Green Infrastructure and how easy it is to get involved…
First Ward Downspout Disconnect Pilot Program in partnership with the Buffalo Sewer Authority
- A Little Summer St. rain barrel, decorated by its owner
Little Summer St. and Rain Barrels
Buffalo’s own Little Summer Street is a rain barrel demonstration project this year. Twelve homes have been outfitted with rain barrels and diverters by Buffalo Niagara RIVERKEEPER through the EPA and together these 12 rain barrels, are conserving more than 600 gallons of water each time it rains and saving $34/yr from their owner’s water bill. The rain barrels will also divert thousands of gallons of stormwater from the sewers and reduce pollution in the Niagara River. This un-processed, chemical-free water is used in their gardens and fishponds for watering and other outdoor chores.
Downspout Diverter (as seen on right)
Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper is also selling downspout diverters. This metal device is inserted into your cut downspout and acts as an interruption. When it is opened, it diverts the flowing water onto your barrel, when it is closed, it diverts the water down your gutter system as though you had never cut it. A downspout diverter makes for easy maintenance for installing and uninstalling your rain barrel! Buy or order one or more today!
About Green Infrastructure – What it is, and a list of common Green Infrastructure options, a description of each, and some local examples.
Homeowners – A collection of “How To” guides for Homeowners
