Keep the Rain Out of the Drain

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Last year, Allegheny County revised its plumbing code to allow homeowners to disconnect their downspouts and use green alternatives to manage their stormwater on site.  This has the opportunity to divert millions of gallons of stormwater from sewer systems, alleviating flooding and reducing combined sewer overflows in our region.  To ensure that downspout disconnections are done safely, Allegheny County, Audubon Society of Western PA, Etna Borough, Nine Mile Run Watershed Association, Pennsylvania Environmental Council, Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority, and the Penn State Center – Engaging Pittsburgh have developed technical guidance for disconnecting your downspouts. 

You'll learn how to:

• Conduct a proper site evaluation;
• Disconnect a downspout;
• Install a rain garden and rain barrel;
• Create a municipal disconnection program for your community.

This lunchtime presentation, beginning at noon at the Schenley Park Café and Visitor Center, will offer instruction on conducting site evaluations, downspout disconnections, and the installation of green stormwater options.

There is no cost to attend, but advance registration is preferred.  Please RSVP to the Pennsylvania Environmental Council at jnovak@pecpa.org.