Protecting Your Infrastructure Through Stormwater Resilience: A Local Government Guide to the Chesapeake Bay

[Opening shot of brown, murky river rapids.]

Managing stormwater runoff and increasing resiliency can mitigate flooding and damages to local community infrastructure as well as improve water quality.

[Shot of a stream lined with trees during a light rainstorm; shot of a stream polluted with excess sediment.]

Stormwater runoff is the water left over after a rainstorm or snowmelt.

[Shot of water running over an asphalt road behind three orange traffic cones; shot of water pouring out of a downspout and onto brick pavers.]

It flows off of impervious surfaces like rooftops, parking lots, and streets.

[Shot of rain falling onto a paved sidewalk.]

Stormwater runoff can endanger critical infrastructure in your community, including roads, electricity, drinking water, and property.

[Shot of a flooded playground.]

Stormwater picks up litter and pollutants that can endanger public health and cause disease and illness.

[Shots of brown, polluted water.]

Flooding threatens the health of local waterways, which often support outdoor recreation and tourism.

[Shot of students paddling kayaks near a marina.]

Stormwater runoff can cause missed school days, closures, disrupted bus routes, and interrupted internet access due to flood waters.

[Shot of a school bus parked along a roadside during a rainstorm; shot of dark storm clouds and flashes of lightning.]

While flooding impacts everyone, it is most harmful for people of color and low-income communities.

[Shot of water rushing through metal grates.]

In the U.S., African American neighborhoods are disproportionately harmed by floods.

[Shot of brown water rushing over a dam.]

There are many best practices and tools you can adopt to increase your community’s resilience to flooding.

[Aerial shot of a bright green wetland.]

Wetlands, natural landscapes, and green infrastructure solutions all help to protect your community from losses due to stormwater runoff.

[Shot of grass in the rain.]

Precipitation patterns and water levels are expected to shift in the coming years.

[Timelapse of a wetland with the tide rolling in.]

You can prepare for more rain, higher waters, and tidal flooding by planning future development to avoid flood-prone areas and by making upgrades to stormwater systems.

[Shot of storm clouds forming and a lightning strike over a marina.]

Stormwater management helps keep your community safe and preserve quality of life.

[Shot of brown water rushing past flood prevention infrastructure.]

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As a local leader, you can make decisions that protect local infrastructure. Visit ProtectLocalWaterways.org to learn more.