Hudson takes great strides to ensure effective storm water management. Storm water is clean rain water that runs off hard surfaces, such as homes, streets, parking lots, or dry ground and into a storm water drainage system, instead of being absorbed by the ground. It then travels to the nearest water basin, such as a lake, pond, stream or river. It is important to make sure storm water can get to where it’s going to prevent flooding and erosion. Effective storm water management also ensures the quality of surrounding bodies of water by reducing water pollution. The City works hard to maintain the storm water system and reduce pollution.
One way the City manages storm water is by maintaining ditches around Hudson. Sometimes, ditches erode or settle, blocking the flow of water. If this occurs, the ditch is re-graded to maintain the original design to allow the water to flow and decrease the risk of flooding.
Catch basins, which catch storm water runoff from streets and homes, are also maintained, cleaned, and replaced when needed. Leaves and debris can build up in catch basins, causing blockages and even flooding, so they must be kept clean.
Storm pipes are replaced, improved, and installed as needed to maintain and improve storm water infrastructure. The Public Works department performed 19,445 feet of ditch work, repaired or replaced 58 catch basins, installed 1,300 feet of pipe, and, overall, completed 203 storm water projects in 2016.
Maintaining the infrastructure isn’t the only thing the City does for storm water management. Flowing water can pick up dirt, pesticides, litter, pet waste, leaves, oil, and other pollutants and take it to the water basins. The City works to minimize pollution from municipal sources as much as possible and educates the public about how they can help.
“The City encourages residents to find ways to help reduce water pollution,” said Assistant Public Work Director Eric Hutchinson. “There are many simple ways to do this, including installing rain gardens, disposing of hazardous household waste in a safe way, and disposing of pet waste so it will not be washed into storm drains.”
Street cleaning is performed regularly to reduce the amount of debris and litter swept into the storm water system. The City also regulates construction site requirements to reduce runoff that would enter the system otherwise.
Want to learn more ways to help prevent water pollution? Visit our Storm Water Education page to see the ways you can help.