Green Stormwater Infrastructure

Green Streets & Green Stormwater Infrastructure

Urban development traditionally involves replacing natural landscapes with solid pavements and storm drain systems - causing increased amounts of polluted stormwater to flow directly into local streams. Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI), however, uses plants and soils and techniques such as permeable pavers to mimic natural watershed processes. This helps to capture stormwater and infiltrate it, to create healthier environments. Benefits include:

Added beauty to local streetscapes
Bicyclist and pedestrian safety
Improved traffic
Improved water quality
Increased stored water supply
Reduced local flooding
Wildlife habitat

Low Impact Development

With so many benefits, green stormwater infrastructure is a priority for state and local water quality agencies, including the Authority and its member agencies. Municipalities are integrating Low Impact Development (LID) designs into new and existing public spaces. These designs minimize impervious cover and store/treat stormwater similar to pre-development site conditions. The implementation of LID reduces the amount of urban runoff and pollutants draining into creeks.

All local municipalities are required to develop Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) Plans to incorporate GSI features into new and existing drainage infrastructure on public properties and rights-of-way, including streets, storm drains, and parking lots. See our member agencies' GSI plans below.

Agency	Plan	Adopted
City of Campbell	Green Stormwater Infrastructure Plan	July 16, 2019
Los Gatos	Green Stormwater Infrastructure Plan	August 20, 2019
Monte Sereno	Green Stormwater Infrastructure Plan	August 20, 2019
Saratoga	Green Stormwater Infrastructure Plan	August 21, 2019