Stormwater in Janesville, WI
The City of Janesville has implemented many efforts to reduce stormwater runoff and pollutants from entering the Rock River and other area waterways. Besides the fact the Rock River flows directly through the city, Janesville’s storm sewer system directly connects the City of Janesville to the Rock River and other streams, ponds, wetlands, and stormwater outfalls in the area. Water that goes down storm drains in Janesville is not treated and flows directly to the Rock River and these other waterways. Janesville’s storm sewers are also regularly blocked by materials from around homes such as grass clippings, leaves, yard waste, and garbage, causing localized street flooding. Check out Janesville’s Stormwater Utility webpage to learn more about local stormwater issues and relevant ordinances in Janesville.
Continue reading to learn more about stormwater and find out how you can help Protect Wisconsin’s Waterways. Plus, don’t forget to view the photos from above Janesville courtesy of the Rock River Stormwater Group provided on this page!
Join the Janesville Clean-Up on September 21, 2024
Join the team of Janesville volunteers at Monterey Park on Saturday, September 21, 2024, from 10 AM to Noon to help clean up trash and prevent it from polluting the Rock River.
Register by August 16th for a FREE Protect Wisconsin Waterways t-shirt and gardening gloves.
Adopt a Drain – Help Protect Wisconsin’s Waterways!
Do you live next to a storm drain? The City of Janesville needs your help! The Janesville Storm Drain Protector Program is an opportunity for you to help prevent water pollution right from your home. Even if you don’t live near a creek, river, or lake, your actions can have a direct impact on the health of our waterways like the Rock River. Adopt a storm drain near your property by completing the form below.
Protect a storm drain today by preventing pollution (grass clippings, leaves, fertilizer, and other chemicals) from your property from going down the storm drain and #protectwiwaterways!
Adopt a Janesville Storm Drain Today!
Learn More About Wisconsin Stormwater Week
September 21-29, 2024 is Wisconsin Stormwater Week. Help the City of Janesville celebrate and find resources about things you can do around your home to Protect Wisconsin’s Waterways.
Photos from Above Janesville
Have you ever wondered what areas around Janesville look like from above? Check out the drone photos from around the City of Janesville above the Rock River courtesy of the Rock River Stormwater Group!
Past Stormwater Management Efforts in Janesville
Rehabilitation of the City’s greenbelt system with conversion to native prairie vegetation: Janesville has been working on rehabilitating the city’s greenbelts as an ongoing project since 2007. There were two reasons for starting this program. First, because of the relatively recent EPA and WDNR stormwater regulations, the city is now required to clean stormwater runoff prior to the water entering a lake or stream. Second, because the greenbelts have become so degraded there is a need to rehabilitate these environmental corridors. The process of managing a greenbelt includes the removal of invasive trees and shrubs. This is followed by planting a ground cover, nursery crop, and prairie grasses. About a year later, wildflowers are planted within the greenbelt. Three years after the initial restoration, greenbelt lands are evaluated for a scheduled and supervised burn of prairie grasses and continued maintenance and restoration needs. The primary purpose of this project is to provide surface water run-off and prevent flooding and property damage. Greenbelts provide open space and encourage active and passive recreational activities. They also support wildlife, natural prairie growth, trail use, enhance adjacent property values, and overall aesthetics of the city. Future greenbelt plans include planting additional prairie, prescribed burns, and trail improvements.
Information obtained from:
- http://www.ci.janesville.wi.us/home/showdocument?id=2115
- http://www.ci.janesville.wi.us/government/departments-divisions/public-works/engineering-division/stormwater-greenbelt-management-information
2016 Leaf study work completed by the two high schools: The City of Janesville and the school district teamed up to study leaf management in the fall of 2016. Craig and Parker High School students in environmental science and communications technology classes assisted the City of Janesville in an important study related to leaf management and stormwater quality. The City collected data for the United States Geological Survey (USGS) regarding municipal leaf management activities and the effects on waterway pollutants. The Rock River is an impaired waterway with phosphorous being one of the leading pollutants in the river. These high levels of phosphorous can cause toxic algae blooms, weeds, depleted oxygen levels, reduced water clarity and reduced recreational opportunities. Leaves are a major source of the phosphorous within Janesville and the leaves washed from the street contribute to contamination in the river. This study focused on residential streets near Craig High School. Residents were instructed to manage their leaves differently based on their street. Throughout the study, the City staff and students collected data about the leaf management practices and potential impacts on phosphorous contamination in the river. This study is being used to shape Janesville’s leaf collection program.
Information obtained from: http://www.wclo.com/2016/10/10/city-of-janesville-and-school-district-team-up-to-study-leaf-management/