Effectively manage the region's watersheds, incorporating regional, national, and international best practices to improve water quality throughout the region.
Because vegetative, green infrastructure features allow rainwater to infiltrate the ground naturally rather than being piped to the waste water treatment plant, significant energy savings can be realized from reduced water pumping and treatment. Additionally, increased green space can reduce building heating and cooling energy requirements (heat island effect). Both of these outcomes are effective climate mitigation strategies. These activities also will provide water quality and urban flooding benefits that are critical to an overall climate adaptation strategy. Conversely, the region will have to consider the impact that a warmer climate will have on water quality, such as more frequent algal blooms and changes in habitat for aquatic, terrestrial, and avian creatures.
Similar to other types of infrastructure, it will be important that water infrastructure receives equitable levels of investment throughout the region to ensure all community members have access to high quality, reliable water for drinking, recreating, and other uses.
Improved water quality and watershed health will lead to increased property values and recreational opportunities and ultimately to increased economic development and vitality for the region. Achieving goals related to water quality and watershed health may require creative approaches and technologies that could establish the region as an innovator.
Because vegetative, green infrastructure features allow rainwater to infiltrate the ground naturally rather than being piped to the waste water treatment plant, significant energy savings can be realized from reduced water pumping and treatment. Additionally, increased green space can reduce building heating and cooling energy requirements (heat island effect). Both of these outcomes are effective climate mitigation strategies. These activities also will provide water quality and urban flooding benefits that are critical to an overall climate adaptation strategy. Conversely, the region will have to consider the impact that a warmer climate will have on water quality, such as more frequent algal blooms and changes in habitat for aquatic, terrestrial, and avian creatures.
Similar to other types of infrastructure, it will be important that water infrastructure receives equitable levels of investment throughout the region to ensure all community members have access to high quality, reliable water for drinking, recreating, and other uses.
Improved water quality and watershed health will lead to increased property values and recreational opportunities and ultimately to increased economic development and vitality for the region. Achieving goals related to water quality and watershed health may require creative approaches and technologies that could establish the region as an innovator.
- Develop a comprehensive, county-wide plan to protect and improve the quality of fresh water in the county's rivers and lakes
- Create a Green Infrastructure Portfolio Standard to expand the use of more natural ways to manage water that runs off our street and other paved areas
- Develop resources to encourage cities, residents, and businesses to work together and share ideas on water issues
- Clean your stream: participate in local waterway cleanup projects
- Drains are for rain: dispose of liquids (paint, motor oil) properly rather than dumping down storm drains, which lead directly to local waterways without being treated
- Use water wisely: turn off the tap while you brush your teeth, take shorter showers, and check for leaks in your home
- Install your own green infrastructure feature: volunteer to install a rain garden, green roof, or some porous pavement on your property to help demonstrate and develop enthusiasm around these projects
