Managing Sewer Overflows with Green Infrastructure

There are approximately 800 cities and towns across the country that still rely on combined sewer systems. These systems increasingly put clean water at risk because of combined sewer overflows during heavy rain storms. EPA hydrologist Dr. Bill Shuster has been testing and evaluating environmentally friendly storm water management techniques called green infrastructure — including rain gardens, cisterns and rain barrels — to reduce overflows. His research is gaining momentum around the country because cities and towns save money while protecting human and environmental health.