Stormwater Education
What Is Stormwater and Why Does It Matter?
The City of Henderson is a designated NPDES MS4 Phase II community. Under this permit, the City of Henderson Engineering Department is entrusted with working with residents, city employees, businesses, and developers to keep the stormwater runoff in Henderson as clean as possible before it enters our streams and lakes. The City’s jurisdiction is within the city limits, which does include the ETJ (Extra Territorial Jurisdiction) but only in the Tar Pamlico Basin.
Stormwater is defined as surface water in abnormal quantity resulting from heavy precipitation of rain or snow. For our planet’s natural water cycle, this stormwater is a critical component to replenish ground and surface waters for the environment around us.
NASA states, “The water cycle describes how water evaporates from the surface of the earth, rises into the atmosphere, cools and condenses into rain or snow in clouds, and falls again to the surface as precipitation.” When land is undeveloped land, surface water or runoff has a greater chance of being absorbed by the soil to replenish ground water. However, this cycle becomes altered as more land is developed. Typically, with land development impervious surfaces increases. Rooftops, driveways, sidewalks, streets, and other impervious surfaces prevent stormwater runoff from naturally soaking into the ground. Increased stormwater runoff can erode stream channels, increase pollutant loading in surface waters, cause downstream flooding. Anything that enters a storm sewer system is discharged untreated into surface waters such as Kerr Lake, Red Bud Creek, and Sandy Creek. Our community uses these waters for swimming, fishing and even providing drinking water to the region.
Uncontrolled runoff can lead to erosion, flooding, and damage to infrastructure. Furthermore, polluted stormwater can disrupt ecosystems by degrading habitats and introducing harmful substances to wildlife and plant life. Addressing these issues is essential for community well-being and environmental sustainability.
Effective stormwater management offers solutions to mitigate these impacts. Green infrastructure like rain gardens, permeable pavements, and green roofs help absorb stormwater and reduce runoff. Stormwater Control Measures (SCMs), such as detention basins and constructed wetlands, treat and slow stormwater before it enters water bodies. Additionally, public awareness about pollution prevention, such as proper waste disposal, plays a crucial role in reducing contamination. By managing stormwater proactively, we can protect natural resources, reduce flooding, and create healthier environments for all.
Putting Rain Into Perspective
One inch of rain falling on 1 acre of ground is equal to about 27,154 gallons and weighs about 113 tons. The City limits are approximately 8.62 sq miles or about 5,516.8 acres. During a 1 inch rainfall event the amount of water that has dropped on the City is about 149.8 million gallons of water.
Teacher Resources
We are committed to helping educators teach students about stormwater and its impact on our environment. Our resources and programs are designed to provide teachers with engaging and practical tools to enhance student understanding of stormwater management and environmental stewardship.
Here’s how we can help:
Guest Presentations: Our team is available to visit classrooms or participate in virtual sessions to discuss stormwater topics. From explaining how stormwater systems work to demonstrating pollution prevention techniques, we can provide engaging, age-appropriate content tailored to your students’ needs.
Collaboration Opportunities: We can work with you to connect classroom learning to local environmental issues. This might include creating interactive projects, such as designing small-scale rain gardens or conducting stormwater-related science experiments.
Educational Materials: We offer informational brochures, visual aids, and other resources to help students understand the importance of stormwater management. These materials can supplement your teaching and spark discussions about how students can make a difference.
By partnering with teachers, we aim to inspire the next generation to value clean water and adopt sustainable practices. If you’re interested in bringing stormwater education into your classroom, contact us to learn how we can support your efforts!
Stormwater Resources
Environmental Protection Agency Protecting Water Quality from Urban Runoff
Environmental Protection Agency 10 Steps to Stormwater Pollution Prevention on Small Residential Construction Sites
NC STATE Cooperative Extension Backyard Stream Repair
NC STATE Cooperative Extension Gardener’s Guide to Protecting Water Quality
North Carolina Flood Risk Information System
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Surface Water Classifications
10 Things You Can Do to Prevent Stormwater Runoff Pollution