How to Create a Drainage System Map

Mapping a drainage system is a critical task for municipalities aiming to improve stormwater management, identify illicit discharges, support maintenance planning, and ensure regulatory compliance (e.g., MS4). A well-structured drainage system map reveals how stormwater flows through catch basins, p…continue

Unlocking Funding: Grants for Stormwater Infrastructure Improvement

Upgrading stormwater infrastructure is a pressing priority for municipalities across the country, yet it often comes with a hefty price tag. Whether addressing outdated culverts, installing green infrastructure, or improving data management and compliance under an MS4 permit, funding is frequently t…continue

Understanding Common Pollutants in Runoff

Stormwater runoff is one of the leading causes of water pollution in the United States. As rainfall or snowmelt flows over impervious surfaces such as roads, parking lots, and rooftops, it collects a wide array of pollutants that are carried into local waterways through storm drain systems. Understa…continue

How to Identify Illicit Stormwater Discharges

Protecting your community’s waterways starts with knowing what doesn’t belong. Illicit discharges are one of the most persistent threats to stormwater systems and local water quality. These unauthorized flows, often containing pollutants like oils, detergents, sewage, or industrial waste…continue

How to Map Municipal Drainage Systems: A Step-by-Step Guide for Local Governments

Municipal drainage systems are often out of sight and, unfortunately, out of mind. Yet, these underground networks are vital to public safety, environmental protection, and infrastructure longevity. Accurate mapping of stormwater infrastructure is not only a best practice - it’s an operational…continue

A Brief History of Soil and Water Conservation Districts

Severe dust storms sweeping across the Great Plains during the early 1930s highlighted how badly America’s soils had been over-worked, and they spurred the first coordinated federal response. Congress passed the Soil Conservation Act on April 27 1935, establishing the Soil Conservation Service…continue