What can you do?
"Anything else you're interested in is not going to happen if you can't breathe the air and drink the water. Don't sit this one out. Do something. You are by accident of fate alive at an absolutely critical moment in the history of our planet." - Carl Sagan
We are all affected by water runoff from storm events. Creating an urban environment with roads, roofs, parking lots, and other hard surfaces results in rain water traveling faster to their drainage basins. When there is enough water traveling faster during larger rain events, the City storm sewer systems get overwhelmed and negative impacts such as stream bank erosion and personal property damage can happen.
To help with the problem, the City implemented a stormwater management ordinance in 1993 (Chapter 162 of the Municipal Code) that requires developments and expansions that create more "hard" surfaces to provide stormwater detention to control water runoff. The ordinance helps, but does not solve historical problems. The City has developed a Stormwater Master Plan that strategically prioritizes drainage issues in the City of Danville.
But the problem won't be solved by large municipal projects alone. There are about 17 square miles of land within the city limits of Danville. 3.6 square miles are public land and roadways; 13.4 square miles are privately owned! That is almost 80% of the City (and 80% of the area rainwater falls on). That is why private property owners can and do make a large difference in how our stormwater makes its way to the creeks and lake. Utilizing things like rain barrels, rain gardens and permeable pavements helps to slow the water down, reducing flooding and erosion on your property, and downstream. Disposing of chemical properly keeps them from contaminating our waterways.
Do your part to protect our waters! Reducing pollution helps make our waterways safer for drinking, recreation and wildlife, now and for future generations!
To help with the problem, the City implemented a stormwater management ordinance in 1993 (Chapter 162 of the Municipal Code) that requires developments and expansions that create more "hard" surfaces to provide stormwater detention to control water runoff. The ordinance helps, but does not solve historical problems. The City has developed a Stormwater Master Plan that strategically prioritizes drainage issues in the City of Danville.
But the problem won't be solved by large municipal projects alone. There are about 17 square miles of land within the city limits of Danville. 3.6 square miles are public land and roadways; 13.4 square miles are privately owned! That is almost 80% of the City (and 80% of the area rainwater falls on). That is why private property owners can and do make a large difference in how our stormwater makes its way to the creeks and lake. Utilizing things like rain barrels, rain gardens and permeable pavements helps to slow the water down, reducing flooding and erosion on your property, and downstream. Disposing of chemical properly keeps them from contaminating our waterways.
Do your part to protect our waters! Reducing pollution helps make our waterways safer for drinking, recreation and wildlife, now and for future generations!
Plant Native Trees and Plants
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Planting a tree will raise property values, conserve energy, absorb and avoid air pollutants, reduce atmospheric carbon, and intercept stormwater - reducing flooding and pollution. Native plants such as wildflowers provide food and habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. Biodiversity - having a variety of many different plant species available - is a key component to nature. Many plants and many animals form an ecosystem, keeping a healthy balance between the plants, animals and even the bacteria and fungi in the soils. Plus, a variety of plants can mean a beautiful garden year-round. Learn more
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Plant a Rain Garden
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Rain gardens create decorative landscaped areas to hold driveway or roof runoff, and allow water to infiltrate into the ground slowly. This is a great way to beautify your yard, reduce urban flooding, and mitigate stormwater damage to your home, and reduce the impact of stormwater on our public drainage systems. Rain gardens are even easy and affordable to install. Learn more
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Support Community Gardens, and Urban Agriculture
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Community gardens can beautify and area or provide fresh produce to an entire neighborhood. Urban agriculture is a great opportunity to turn a yard or empty lot into produce space. Working with plants is a great activity for your home, neighborhood, and city. Learn more
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Participate in a CLEANUP
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Any day is a great way to help cleanup your community. Gather a few friends, colleagues, church members, classmates, or neighbors. Pick a date and a time and a location that could use some TLC. Learn more
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Reduce your pollution
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The city’s pollution and stormwater problems won't be solved by large municipal projects alone. There are about 17 square miles of land within the city limits of Danville. 3.6 square miles are public land and roadways; 13.4 square miles are privately owned! That is almost 80% of the City (and 80% of the area rainwater falls on). That is why private property owners can and do make a large difference in our local environment. Learn more
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Recycling - more than paper and plastic
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The City of Danville doesn't currently offer curbside recycling to the residents. However, there are some options nearby without sending all those recyclable goods in your waste stream to the landfill! Recycling is much more than just paper and plastic and there are many options in the area for responsible recycling. Learn more
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Install a Rain BARREL
Credit: AAWSA
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Did you know only 1 inch of rain on a 1000 square foot roof creates about 625 gallons of water?!? With a rain barrel, you can collect some of it to water the plants in your yard. Plants love the soft, chlorine-free, warm (compared to water from a hose) water. With a rain barrel, you'll You'll love saving money on your water bill. And you will know that you're contributing to a healthier environment by reducing runoff, pollution, and flooding. Learn more
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Be Septic Smart
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One in five Americans is on a septic system. A limited number of Danville residents use septic as their means of treating the sanitary sewage from their homes. There are many resources available to providing information on managing waste and maintaining your septic system. Learn more
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Fight Climate Change
Source: FEMA
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Heavy downpours and dry summers may be common in the Midwest, but climate change is making them worse. Increased temperatures increase evaporation. In the summer it becomes too hot for rain to form and the water stays evaporated until winter and spring temperatures drop enough to cause huge storms. There's a lot you can do to lower your impact and help fight climate change. Learn more
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Stormwater Stencils
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Stormwater stencils are a great way to remind your neighbors that storm drains empty (untreated) into our local lakes, rivers, and streams. Learn more
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Permeable pavement and green building materials
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There are many forms of green infrastructure that you can use or install to reduce your impact on the environment, reduce maintenance bills, and reduce your impact on tax-payer funded infrastructure. Learn more
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Talk about Pollution PREVENTION at your next event
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The City of Danville is committed to engaging its citizens in our pollution prevention efforts. If you would like the City's help to add stormwater pollution prevention or community clean-up activities to your group's next meeting, please let us know. We can help provide some information so you can teach your members about why clean water is so important, and what each of them can do to make a difference in the future of our environment. We can also attend citizen's group meetings to speak about pollution prevention and how we can all work together to ensure safe and healthy water for the future! Learn More
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Water Safety
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Our drinking water ultimately comes from the lakes, rivers, streams, and aquifers around us. It is important to know that your drinking water is safe, especially for pregnant women and children for whom contentment may have a major impact. People in old buildings with older piping, people using private wells, and everyone else should be aware of water safety. Learn more
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Work with a Neighborhood Association
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Neighborhood Associations are volunteer organizations that thrive and grow when everyone (that's you!) is involved. These associations allow you to be an active part of your neighborhood and help improve the quality of life for you, your neighbors, and the city of Danville by building a sense of community, providing communication with government, addressing neighborhood issues, and empowering residents. Learn more
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Talk with local government
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There are many public meetings and public comment opportunities in which you can make your voice heard. If you can't find a time to come to a meeting you are always welcome to stop by our offices. Learn more
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More RESOURCES
Preparing your yard for fall
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Water efficient landscaping
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Recycling for car owners
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Protecting water quality
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