SUMMIT COUNTY, OHIO—Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro and County Engineer Alan Brubaker are recognizing the 5th Annual Stormwater Awareness Week from October 16-22 to draw attention to the importance of stormwater management. Stormwater Awareness Week is a statewide campaign joined by Summit Soil and Water Conservation District, Summit County Public Health, and partners from across the state. While stormwater management is a lesser-known responsibility of local governments and agencies, it is crucial to maintaining our infrastructure and environment.
“When we build new neighborhoods, highways, or parking lots, the water that would normally soak into the ground and flow through these areas is forced to go elsewhere,” said County Executive Shapiro, “Local governments and agencies are responsible for managing this runoff and keeping our roads, bridges, lakes, rivers, and drinking water pristine. So, next time you see a summer thunderstorm or some winter snowmelt, remember that there are people working to manage that runoff and keep you safe and healthy.”
Population growth, residential and commercial development, changes in the environment, and more can affect stormwater runoff and subsequently our water quality and quantity. The water cycle, after all, is a complex process. To address these issues, the County created the Surface Water Management District in 2017 to aid localities in stormwater management. In 2022, the district was expanded to comply with Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations and to utilize funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Now, the Surface Water Management District contains nine townships, up to three villages, and one city from across Summit County. The County has committed $18.8 million in ARPA funds to stormwater management.
“Effective stormwater management is a crucial component in maintaining a high quality of life and protecting infrastructure in Summit County,” said Engineer Brubaker, “Our communities are better off when our cities, towns, and townships are able to come together and work with us on issues like stormwater.”
But we still need your help to keep our community and environment happy and healthy. You can help by:
- Planting native trees, bushes, grasses, flowers
- Properly disposing of hazardous chemicals and waste
- Clearing storm drains of debris like leaves and litter
- Volunteering at or organizing a volunteer stream cleanup
- Picking up and disposing of pet waste
More information about Stormwater Awareness Week can be found at ohiostormwaterawareness.org or on Summit Soil and Water’s social media on Facebook @Summit Soil and Water Conservation District, Instagram @summit_swcd, and Twitter @SummitSWCD.
