Green Stormwater Infrastructure
Rainscaping and GSI to Protect Water Quality in Michigan
Polluted runoff from city streets, parking lots and rooftops is the largest source of water pollution in Michigan, and contributes to flooding, erosion and regulatory concerns. With climate change leading to heavier and more frequent periods of rain, stormwater runoff will become an increasingly significant issue for property managers and sustainability professionals.
Using these natural systems to treat stormwater results in cleaner water, improved air quality, healthy wildlife habitats, and safe recreation sites. A growing number of local companies and institutions are using GSI and other sustainable solutions to treat stormwater on-site, and finding it to be more cost-effective than conventional infrastructure, aesthetically pleasing, and appreciated by employees, guests, regulators and the community.
The Problem:
Rain and snowmelt flows over impervious surfaces, such as paved roads, parking lots or building rooftops, draining directly to nearby lakes, rivers and streams, contaminating local waterways with sediment and pollution.
The Solution:
Green Stormwater Infrastructure allows for the infiltration of stormwater before it is released into a conventional storm and sewer system, protecting our lakes, rivers, and streams from harmful pollutants.
Businesses Support GSI
To inform our work, we conducted a survey of local organizations to better understand their level of awareness and current perceptions of stormwater best management practices.
GSI TASKFORCE
MiSBF facilitates a working group to promote the advancement of private sector investments in green stormwater infrastructure.
Grand River Rainscaping
Free assessments available for small businesses in the Lower Grand River watershed to learn about how their properties can improve aesthetics and protect water with GSI.
Learn About Your Neighborhood Watershed and How You Can Help Protect Your Water Resources
Do you know your subwatershed? Contaminated rain and stormwater can enter your local streams, lakes and rivers within minutes. How you manage your runoff will directly impact the water resources in your business district, the Grand River, and Lake Michigan.
Can We help?
We support and celebrate the efforts of local businesses and institutions to invest in nature-based stormwater solutions. Want to learn more? Have a story to share? Permit issue? Let us know.
GSI Taskforce
The WMSBF Green Stormwater Infrastructure Task Force is a working group of property owners, government, watershed organizations, stormwater professionals and other business and institutional stakeholders collaborating to advance private sector investments in stormwater infrastructure.
- Collaboratively promote the use of green stormwater infrastructure as a water quality and sustainable business strategy in West Michigan.
- Create a community of practice for green stormwater infrastructure practitioners and advocates.
- Connect local businesses and institutions to resources, vendors and information related to the use of green stormwater infrastructure, facilitating peer-to-peer learning and continuing education.
- Elevate and promote the use of GSI as a sustainability and/or compliance strategy for local property owners.
- Recognize property owners and vendors for their investments and leadership.
