Article: Building Livable Communities Requires More Than Technical Solutions

By Jeff Moeller, Senior Program Director, Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF)

My friend Chris and his wife just bought their first new home. After much thought on what to give them for a housewarming gift, I bought them a very different kind of appliance — a rain barrel. At first, Chris looked at me a bit quizzically. "Ummm, thanks for the oil drum?" he said, his voice rising into a question. "I was planning to change the oil on the Honda later this month."

Although sustainable stormwater management practices such as rain barrels and other low impact development techniques are gaining broader recognition and acceptance, we still have a ways to go before they become part of the collective national consciousness. Do your neighbors know about the problems caused by urban stormwater runoff? How can you increase awareness and gain support for sustainable stormwater best management practices (BMPs) in your community? How can you ensure community goals are integrated into the development process?

The Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF) recently developed a website, "Using Rainwater to Grow Livable Communities," to communicate the benefits of sustainable stormwater management approaches to homeowners, elected officials, engineers, landscape architects, municipal personnel, and others.