Stormwater management is a process that focuses on properly managing any form of precipitation that is not readily absorbed into the ground during some type of weather event. While stormwater is often considered in terms of rainfall, this process of watershed management also applies to situations where snowfall melts and creates runoff in city streets and other environments. The goal of stormwater management is to process the excess water in a manner that prevents damage to property and makes it possible for the collected water to be efficiently used in another setting.
 
There are several reasons why stormwater management is important to protecting the environment. One advantage to this type of activity is that it is possible to slow the rate of erosion that may result from the presence of excessive runoff. Erosion removes layers of soil and can, over time, undermine the foundations of buildings or render farmland unfit for growing crops. Diverting excess water helps to minimize this gradual degradation and keeps property from becoming wasteland.
 
Another benefit to effective stormwater management is that it helps to limit the amount of pollution that may occur as excess water drains into rivers and lakes. Often, municipal water processing systems are equipped to receive and purify stormwater before it is released for any reason. This process means that the water is cleansed of any elements that could threaten the ecological balance of life in rivers and lakes.

Catfish Creek Watershed Management Authority 
Persistent flooding and water quality concerns have led the governmental entities within the Catfish Creek watershed to embrace a cooperative, multi-jurisdictional planning approach. The resulting Catfish Creek Watershed Management Plan details strategies and recommendations for watershed and stormwater management, water quality protection, and stormwater permit compliance. It includes specific implementation strategies and milestones for implementing these recommendations for local governments as well as regional and state agencies.

To Report an Issue 
If you would like to report illegal or illicit discharges of non-storm water, non-irrigation runoff to the stormwater system, please call City  Hall at 563.556.7106 or submit this online form. 
  
Links:
www.iowastormwater.org
www.epa.gov

So, where does stormwater go once enters the gutter in the street?