ABSTRACT

  Through regulations and penalties, the Environmental Protection Agency encourages cities to prevent the contamination of rivers, streams, and other bodies of water by untreated sewage, sediment, debris, and chemicals that harm humans and the environment. Keeping stormwater out of the Owensboro combined sewer system will prevent the system overflows that result in discharges of untreated wastewater into the Lower Green River watershed. To address stormwater runoff in Owensboro, the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension agent and specialists partnered with the Regional Water Resource Agency (RWRA), provider of wastewater services to Owensboro and Daviess County, to deliver educational programming to residents promoting onsite stormwater infiltration in rain gardens and beneficial reuse using rain barrels. The agent and specialists provided the marketing, developed the programming, and delivered the educational material; the RWRA provided the supplies and meeting space. The 6-hour rain garden program delivered 3 hours of educational programing including a presentation and discussion about stormwater, how to improve water quality at home and how to construct and manage a rain garden. In the afternoon, the class participated in construction of a rain garden on City of Owensboro property. The 3-hour rain barrel workshop involved describing how to construct, install, and utilize a rain barrel and the stormwater collected in the barrel. Following the discussion, construction of partially pre-built rain barrels were completed by participants and 97% indicated they will utilize the barrel in spring 2015.

DEVELOPING COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS TO MANAGE STORMWATER RUNOFF

Heisdorffer,* A.1, Lee, B.2, Durham, R.3, and Osborne, A.4

1. Extension Agent, University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension, Daviess County, Owensboro, KY 423032. Extension Specialist, University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension, Lexington, KY 405463. Extension Specialist, University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension, Lexington, KY 405464. Extension Associate, University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension, Lexington, KY 40546

OBJECTIVES

• Promote onsite stormwater management for homeowners.• Teach participants how to make and maintain a rain

garden and rain barrel.• Foster partnership between Cooperative Extension Service

and MS4 permit holder which are the city and county governments.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We would like to extend a special thank you to the Regional Water Resource Agency (RWRA) of Owensboro, KY for their assistance.

METHODS

• Developed hands-on workshops.• Targeted homeowners.• Obtained plants suitable for rain gardens.• Partnered with Regional Water Resource Agency of

Owensboro for funding of rain garden preparation, barrel and needed parts, and location for workshops.

CONCLUSIONS

Daviess County Cooperative Extension partnering with local government:

• Provided research based education for community members.

• Helped to fulfill MS4 education requirements for permit holders.

• Extended resources. • Reduced stormwater runoff from

properties where rain gardens and rain barrels were installed.

Learn more about rain gardens

Install a rain garden

Conserve water

Educate others about rain gardens

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14

Effect of Rain Garden Workshop on Behavior Change

No Yes

Number of Responses

Stormwater runoffImportance of rain gardens

Selecting a siteDesigning

Selecting plantsInstalling a rain garden

Maintaing a rain garden

0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4

Effect of Rain Garden Workshop on Level of Understanding

Mean Score After WorkshopMean Score Before Workshop

Poor Mean Score Excellent

Rain garden prepared by RWRA on city property covered 800 square feet and was 6 inches deep. A Cooperative Extension specialist explained how to build and maintain it.

Workshop attendees planted herbaceous perennials in the rain garden. Cooperative Extension personnel provided education on the appropriate plants for the site and designing the garden.

RESULTS

Rain garden keeps approximately 598 gallons of stormwater onsite and out of combined sewer during a 1-inch rain event from one down spout.

Participants put rain barrels together at the workshop. Holes were pre-drilled.

Instructors from Cooperative Extension Service and RWRA presented information on the use, maintenance, and construction of rain barrels at workshop held at RWRA.

Functioning rain garden one year later.

• Rain garden workshop held in spring of 2014 was attended by 14 people.• Rain barrels were constructed by 41 participants in the fall of 2014.• Follow-up surveys indicated that many rain barrels were installed and in use.• Partnership between Cooperative Extension and RWRA was formed.• Participants were unaware of mosquito issues, had not considered water runoff, and were anxious to find ways to reduce the amount of city water currently being used.

Learn more about rain gardens

Install a rain garden

Conserve water

Educate others about rain gardens

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Effect of Rain Garden Workshop on Behavior Change

No Yes

Number of Responses

Stormwater runoffImportance of rain garden

Selecting a siteDesigning

Selecting plantsInstalling a rain garden

Maintaing a rain garden

0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4

Effect of Rain Garden Workshop on Level of Understanding

Mean Score After WorkshopMean Score Before Workshop

Poor Mean Score Excellent