Every downspout on your home can deliver up to 12 gallons of rainwater per minute during a heavy storm. In the combined sewer area, many downspouts are connected directly to the sewer, potentially pumping millions of gallons of water into the sanitary sewers when it rains.
To improve water quality, all property owners are encouraged to disconnect downspouts from the sanitary sewer system.
Rain barrels and cisterns are an effective way to store the rain that runs off rooftops or other impervious surfaces allowing for water to be used later, during dry periods, to water plants, trees and gardens.
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