Photo courtesy of Chesapeake Bay Program

RiverSmart

Reducing Stormwater Runoff throughout The District

The RiverSmart Homes program offers financial and technical assistance to residential properties in Washington, DC. Participants in the program can voluntarily receive installations that reduce stormwater runoff. This program is managed and funded by the District’s Department of Energy and Environment.

When rain falls onto areas that don’t allow water to soak into the ground it runs off into the street (for example; driveways, parking lots, roofs, and even some lawns) and is known as “stormwater runoff.” Stormwater runoff collects pollution (for example; fertilizer, pet waste, sediment, and litter) as it flows across these hard surface areas. Stormwater runoff adds pollution to our waterways and causes damage to local rivers and stream banks. Not only does this create a negative effect on our ecosystems, but it also creates unsafe waterways for fishing or recreation.

To learn more about RiverSmart practices coordinated by the Alliance, you may jump to the appropriate page below:

*If you are interested in having trees installed through the RiverSmart program, please contact Casey Trees.