Calgary is a growing city on two small rivers. When it rains, water runs off our streets, driveways and yards, and ultimately ends up in our rivers, creeks and wetlands. This runoff is called stormwater. Stormwater picks up garbage, chemicals, pet waste, salt, fertilizers, dirt and other debris, washing it into our storm drains and carrying it to our rivers. Calgary is seeing higher volumes of stormwater, which is resulting in urban flooding and more pollution flowing into our rivers.
The City of Calgary and Calgarians need to work together to manage our stormwater. The City’s Stormwater Management Strategy reduces the impact of flooding, ensures public safety, reduces damage to property and helps keep our rivers healthy by way of storm drains, outfalls and storm ponds.
- Storm drains reduce stormwater off sidewalks, streets and roads, bringing it into an underground pipe system and carrying it all the way to the nearest outfall.
- Outfalls are the exit points by which stormwater leaves the pipe system and enters our rivers or creeks.
- Storm ponds naturally treat stormwater by slowing the flow, allowing sediment and pollution to settle before entering our rivers.
While storm ponds are found in newer communities, stormwater is not cleaned by a treatment plant, which is why keeping it free of pollution is critical. Clean stormwater ensures our rivers, creeks and surrounding lands, as well as local wildlife and fish, remain healthy for future generations.
You can help keep stormwater clean and our rivers healthy by doing these simple actions:
- Point downspouts toward lawns and gardens or use a rain barrel.
- Limit the use of fertilizers and pesticides.
- Sweep up debris from your garage and driveway instead of washing it away.
- Wash your vehicle at a car wash instead of your driveway.
- Never pour anything down the storm drain.
- Pick up pet waste and litter and put them in the proper waste containers.
What ends up on our streets, ends up in our rivers. To learn more about keeping our rivers, creeks and wetlands healthy, visit calgary.ca/stormwater.
