While the City of Defiance has worked for many years, at great expense, to separate and replace sewer lines, there are still several combined sewers throughout our community. Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs) occur when heavy rains overload the system and storm water—combined with waste water—is discharged directly into the river. The City has taken a proactive approach to Storm-water Management by implementing green infrastructure projects to handle Stormwater at a cost much lower than that of sewer replacement.
The reconstruction of E. High Street was funded through Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) and local funds. The project includes new sidewalk, lighting, street trees, sewer rehabilitation, and storm water components engineered to capture, store and filter rainwater that formerly drained into city sewers.
Rain gardens integrated into the sidewalk design along E. High street are planted with a selection of deep-rooted native plants to absorb rain water, filter out impurities and prevent run-off from entering the river.
The City of Defiance Stormwater Division is responsible for implementing a Storm Water Management Program (SWMP) in accordance with Ohio EPA NPDES Small MS4 General Permit. The plan covers all publicly-owned systems for conveying storm water and includes City infrastructure as well as natural drainage.