ENVIRONMENT Progress Highlights Reducing combined sewer overflows through green stormwater infrastructure During heavy rainfalls, Detroit’s sewer system can overflow, discharging untreated or partially treated sewage into the Detroit and Rouge Rivers. These discharges are called combined sewer overflows (CSOs). Under the Clean Water Act, the City of Detroit must reduce CSOs over the next several years or invest more than $1 billion in new combined sewer overflow facilities. In response, Detroiters are piloting innovative green stormwater infrastructure strategies that naturally soak up rainwater before it overwhelms the sewer system. These triple bottom line solutions prevent CSOs, beautify neighborhoods, provide social benefits, and save money. 7 The video above was commissioned in partnership with the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department. View the video at www.erbff.org/raingardens