Green Infrastructure Can Reduce Stormwater Pollution While Saving Money

Green infrastructure can protect water quality and mitigate flooding while increasing energy efficiency, reducing energy costs, and improving public health, according to a joint report released by American Rivers. The report describes the economic impacts caused by stormwater pollution—the water that mixes with pollutants as it moves over urban areas into streams. It then describes how incorporating “green infrastructure” practices—such as green roofs and rain gardens—to control this runoff can be cost-effective, increase energy efficiency while reducing energy costs, reduce economic impacts of runoff, and protect public health.