Managing Stormwater the Natural Way

Building storm water management systems that mimic nature by using plants and soils to filter pollutants and allowing storm water to soak into the ground to refresh groundwater supplies

Portland Responds Sustainably
In an average year, 37 inches of rain falls on Portland streets and other hard surfaces, creating about 20 billion gallons of storm water runoff. Urban runoff that’s not managed properly can wash pollutants into
rivers and streams, erode stream banks and flood property.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Instead of directing all that water into pipes and streams, Portland is building storm water management systems that restore natural processes in urban environments. And more private property owners are taking
steps to manage storm water on their property with systems that mimic nature by using plants and soils to filter pollutants, and allowing storm water to soak into the ground to refresh groundwater supplies.

Managing stormwater where it falls protects rivers, streams, groundwater and watersheds. Directing runoff to landscaped planters, swales and rain gardens reduces stormwater volume and improves water quality.

Take a look at some of Portland’s innovative sustainable stormwater projects.

New Seasons Market Swales
SE 20th and Division
Inter-connected storm water swales surrounding the store collect runoff from the roof, outdoor plaza, and parking lot. Storm water from a roof downspout showers a sculpture next to the building.

SW 12th Avenue Green Street
SW 12th and Montgomery
A series of landscaped storm water planters at SW 12th and Montgomery collect runoff from 8,000 square feet of street surface. This project won a national award from the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA).

NE Siskiyou Green Street
NE Siskiyou and 35th Place
Another ASLA award winning project. Landscaped storm water curb extensions are integrated into the street system to collect street runoff. Built in 2003, this was Portland’s first Green Street Project.

Glencoe Elementary School Rain Garden
SE 51st and Morrison
This vegetated infiltration basin and storm water detention system reduces storm water flow to Portland’s combined sewer system and protects residents from sewer backups.


What You Can Do
Onsite storm water management on both residential and commercial property keeps storm water runoff out of the city’s collection system and protects rivers, streams and groundwater. Adding trees, soakage trenches, planters and vegetated swales are simple techniques that contain the rain on your property, and can also earn you a discount on your city
storm water management bill.

At www.CleanRiverRewards.com, you can find information on a variety of sustainable storm water management techniques, how to apply for a storm water discount, and schedules of free workshops to show you how to manage stormwater on your property.