About Us
Stormwater Infrastructure Matters (S.W.I.M.) is a coalition dedicated to ensuring swimmable waters around New York City through natural, sustainable stormwater management practices in our neighborhoods. This approach is environmentally and fiscally responsible because it utilizes stormwater, currently viewed as waste, as a resource.
Why does stormwater infrastructure matter?
Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs) happen during and after heavy wet weather like a rainstorm or snowmelt, when the City’s sewage treatment facilities are overloaded with the combination of sewage from buildings and runoff from streets, sidewalks and rooftops. When overloaded, sewage treatment plants are designed to divert the combined untreated wastewater to the nearest creek, river or bay via CSO structures like this one on the Bronx River.
What is Sustainable Stormwater Management?
Sustainable Stormwater Management refers to capturing rain water on rooftops, streets, sidewalks and open spaces to prevent it from entering the sewer system. This is often accomplished through urban retrofits, like green roofs, rain gardens, disconnected rain gutter downspouts, and porous pavement. Capturing the water near the sources of water runoff throughout the watershed can help to prevent CSO while also providing the benefits of added green space, reduction of energy costs, and improved air quality.
New York City is required to complete a Long Term Control Plan that will drive the implementation of projects and practices aimed to reduce CSO and improve water quality. The founding members of S.W.I.M. came together to advocate for stormwater management in this plan.
JOIN US! To become a S.W.I.M. Coalition partner, email swimmablenyc@gmail.com.
