Stormwater quality is now a priority in water quality management.
Controlling and minimizing both sediment and nutrients must be achieved to improve the nation’s waters and meet water quality goals set forth in regulatory schemes mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency and adopted on the state and local levels.
The Center for Water Quality is engaged in active research and management plans to improve water quality in streams, lakes and wetlands.
Rain Gardens and Strategic Planning
Rain gardens and infiltration basins are another tool to improve water quality. The gardens allow creation of basins using rock, waterways and plants to improve infiltration of rainwater into groundwater and beautification of ditches or swales in public areas.
Rain gardens are designed to mitigate the impervious surface on projects and can be used to receive stormwater credits. All projects are designed to fit into the existing landscape and provide maximum benefit.
Wetland Creation and Enhancement
To meet water quality goals and objectives in certain watersheds wetlands can be created.
Working with students and environmental groups, the Center is actively engaged in the creation, design and implementation of freshwater wetlands. These projects are monitored and used as educational tools.
