Integrating Education and Stormwater Management for Healthy Rivers and Residents

The City of Ann Arbor recognized stormwater runoff as a growing threat to the quality of their water supply in the Huron River. To protect the city’s drinking water and reduce downstream impact of the pollution, they designed two financial incentives: first, they set a new rate structure based on the amount of impervious surface to encourage property owners manage stormwater onsite; second, they offer stormwater credits to commercial and residential properties that reduce their own runoff. In addition, the city partnered with NOAA and created educational video campaigns, forums, fact sheets to build community support for stormwater system improvements.