Water Quality

Mobile Source Pollution

Local water quality problems are not just a result of our inadequate sewer system and poorly protected soil. Our transportation choices have resulted in too much impermeable surface area.

Parking lots and garages direct rain to overburdened sewer lines rather than let it absorb into the soil. Rainwater then flushes raw sewage into our creeks and streams.

That same rainwater carries with it automotive fluids - motor oil, brake fluid, antifreeze, windshield wiper fluid, power steering fluid, gasoline, diesel fuel, fuel additives.

That toxic mix flows from our streets and parking lots to our creeks and to the Ohio River -
the source of our drinking water.

A world class public transit system, walkable neighborhoods and bicycle friendly streets will reduce the need for so much impermeable surface area and the number of cars on those many parking lots.

Louisville also needs to aggressively develop a rain garden program on the scale that Kansas City has - 10,000 rain gardens. Diverting water from roof downspouts into rainwater catchment systems:
1. Reduces the volume of water flowing to the sewer treatment facility
2. Lowers the percentage of roof top rainfall as a component of urban runoff
3. Provides a backup source of water during times of drought or between rain showers
4. Helps to keep our creeks and beaches clean
5. Naturally softens water - great for delicate houseplants, auto cleaning and window washing
6. Saves money by lowering your water bill
7. Reduces the need for additional tax dollars earmarked for sewer expansion
8. helps maintain a chlorine-free water, healthy biotic community in the soil
9. Provides an educational tool for teaching residents about water conservation