Education Resources
Stormwater 101
Explaining Stormwater
Stormwater is the runoff from rainfall and snow melt. In undeveloped areas such as grasslands and forests, much of the rainfall and snow melt soaks into the ground. Vegetation helps to slow runoff.
In urban areas, buildings and other impervious surfaces such as parking lots do not allow water to soak into the ground resulting in both increased amounts of runoff and faster flow. Along the way, runoff can pick up pollutants such as fertilizers and pesticides from yards, motor oil from leaking cars, pet waste, and dirt from construction sites. This can cause downstream waterways to become polluted.
Stormwater System & Sewer System
The city's stormwater drainage system is separate from the sanitary sewer system (indoor sinks, toilets, etc). The sanitary sewer system drains to the city's two wastewater treatment plants while the stormwater system drains to area streams, rivers, and lakes.
Real-Time Data
Jordan Creek Data
Rain Gauge Network
Bat and Butterfly Habitat Tracker
The City of Springfield has taken the Mayors Monarch Pledge, which encourages the creation of Monarch Butterfly habitats where we live, work, and play. Every year, Monarchs fly over Springfield in their migration from Mexico to Canada, but the Monarch Butterfly population has decreased by 90% over the last 20 years. Bringing back milkweed helps bring back the Monarchs. Whether you have a milkweed butterfly garden or a bat house, tell us about how you are contributing to habitat conservation using our Habitat Tracker!
What can I do?
- Learn about various things you can do at home through our Yard Ethic program.
- Sign up for an Adopt-A-Stream Team to help pick up trash from our local streams.
- Install a rain barrel at home to reduce stormwater runoff in your neighborhood.