Managing nonpoint source pollution in urban areas is a challenge faced by many municipalities. Engaging homeowners and watershed volunteers is necessary to aid in the protection and management of urban streams, stream corridors, and stormwater. Beyond rain gardens, we have found a general lack of accessible technical guidance for property owners and their service providers on specific practices that can be installed on a typical 0.25-acre residential property. 

During 2020-2021 a project to evaluate the effectiveness of small-scale residential stormwater practices was conducted in the Wolf Run watershed, Lexington, KY. This project involved identifying, researching, and installing a set of specific practices designed to reduce stormwater volume and treat “first flush” stormwater pollutants on residential properties in flood prone subwatersheds of Wolf Run. Recent flood mitigation efforts by Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government in several neighborhoods generated interest among homeowners on next steps they could take to manage and reduce stormwater runoff from their downspouts, driveways, and other hard structures.

Two surveys were developed and conducted: a) one to determine the capacity and/or willingness of landscape professionals to design and/or install stormwater practices on residential properties; and b) one to determine interest and willingness for homeowners to install stormwater practices. Eight landscape professionals were interviewed and all expressed interest in participating in the installation of practices such as infiltration systems, rainwater harvesting, and permeable pavement. Through the networks of Friends of Wolf Run twelve homeowners were surveyed and subsequently five were identified to participate in the implementation and evaluation of stormwater practices. Three rain gardens, an infiltration system, a large-scale rainwater harvesting system, a ribbon driveway, and an alternative walkway were installed. Estimated stormwater runoff reductions ranged from 45 to 98%, and personal testimonials indicated runoff problems had been abated by the installation of stormwater practices.

Water quality Extension Specialists at the University of Kentucky have fostered a partnership with the Friends of Wolf Run for several years to expand engagement of watershed stewards and adoption of residential best management practices to protect and enhance urban water quality. This partnership has resulted in the creation of several components that enhance urban stream stewardship: a) a backyard streams educational curriculum; b) annual stream steward idea exchanges; c) watershed tours of restored greenways; and d) stormwater practice implementation and effectiveness evaluation with individual homeowners. Extension staff played a key role in engaging homeowners in stormwater practice implementation and facilitating watershed leader interactions in this urban watershed.