Every new rooftop and road in Wake County tells a story of growth, but also of stormwater runoff carrying pollutants into local waterways and contributing to localized flooding. As development expands, the County is turning to Green Stormwater Infrastructure as one of the ways to protect streams and reduce flooding. These nature-based solutions use plants and soil to manage runoff, filter pollution and create healthier, greener spaces for a growing community.
“Green Stormwater Infrastructure is an important tool for Wake County,” said Donald Mial, vice chair, Wake County Board of Commissioners. “We already have several projects in place, and we continue to work to raise awareness and educate the community about how these efforts protect our environment and improve quality of life.”
From Cary to Wendell, rain gardens, green roofs and restored wetlands are transforming how Wake County manages stormwater. As we mark National Stormwater Day on Nov. 16, the Wake County Water Partnership is highlighting its new Green Stormwater Infrastructure StoryMap, featuring GSI projects across the County along with educational resources for residents and professionals.
It features projects at schools, businesses, parks and homes, from the cisterns at Kingswood Elementary to the green roof at Raleigh Union Station, the bioswale at Wake Tech East and the constructed wetland at Sandy Pines Preserve. The interactive map invites residents and professionals to explore project locations, learn how green stormwater practices work and see how these efforts protect waterways while adding beauty and resilience to local communities.
“The Wake County Water Partnership brings together local governments, water providers, farmers, researchers and environmental groups to take care of our water,” said Nancy Daly, water resources program manager. “GSI is a big part of what we do, and we work to promote it and help the community understand its benefits.”
The Wake County Water Partnership GSI Subcommittee has created a variety of resources to help residents and professionals learn more about GSI. Visit wake.gov/gsi to find information on GSI maintenance and funding opportunities to support GSI installation in your community. Videos showing people using GSI practices are also available to view and download online.
