The principles of low-impact design, distributed, small-scale stormwater infrastructure, and natural stormwater management to absorb rainwater where it falls are beginning to spread throughout the country. These strategies, collectively known as green infrastructure, are slowly replacing gray infrastructure in which water is collected and funneled through sewers to large, centralized treatment plants. For the sake of municipal budgets, the transition cannot happen quickly enough.
Sustainability professionals frequently advocate for these strategies because they mimic natural systems and provide other environmental benefits, such as reduced urban heat island, habitat restoration, and improved air quality.
