MEETING THE CHALLENGES OF TOO MUCH WATER

Recent heavy storms have shown the power of water in the Cincinnati region and the need to effectively manage what falls from the sky.  Stormwater runoff overwhelms the city’s combined sewer and drainage systems, creating a multitude of problems for residents.  Now the community has the opportunity to learn what the Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati (MSD) is doing to meet the stormwater challenge.

The Cincinnati Park Board and Metropolitan Sewer District are partnering to provide an unique exhibit that describes local stormwater issues and the solutions being implemented by MSD through Project Groundwork, and demonstrates what local citizens can do to help.

The “Future of Water” exhibit opens at the Krohn Conservatory in Eden Park (1501 Eden Park Drive, 45202) on July 28, 2010. The exhibit is designed to raise awareness in the community of the issues stormwater can cause -  from flooded basements to impaired water quality to sewage overflows in local streams -  and ways the community can pull together to help implement solutions. The exhibit is open from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm daily, including weekends, and runs through August 15, 2010.

The “Future of Water” exhibit traces the 150-year old history of the City’s sewer system and its original purpose of handling stormwater.  The exhibit also describes MSD’s Project Groundwork, which is one of the largest public works projects in the history of Hamilton County.  The goal of Project Groundwork is to develop sustainable and environmentally-friendly solutions to managing wet weather and sewer issues, with the potential for community revitalization as well.  

The planting displays in the “Future of Water” exhibit demonstrate easy steps citizens can take to reduce rainwater runoff.  Come to the Krohn Conservatory and see how planting a green roof or installing a rain barrel will make a difference.  Check out sample rain garden designs that will add beauty as well as function to your landscape.

About The Krohn Conservatory
The Cincinnati Park Board hosts free public programs at the Krohn Conservatory promoting Mayor Mallory’s Green Cincinnati Initiative, such as “The Future of Water” exhibit and the Mayor’s Green Lecture Series.  The Park Board has implemented 31 Green Initiative projects, using sustainable methodology and green technology to work more efficiently as well as to improve our environment.  Green Park projects range from deploying “smart” solar powered trash cans to this exciting partnership with MSD where we use green infrastructure to manage stormwater.  The Krohn Conservatory is a nationally recognized showcase of more than 3,500 plant specimens, open year round, seven days a week, from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. 

About The Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati
MSD manages the collection and treatment of more than 200 million gallons of wastewater a day. It actively maintains 3,000 miles of sanitary and combined sewers that run through the 49 municipalities and townships of Hamilton County. Owned by Hamilton County and operated by the City of Cincinnati, MSD is committed to continually maintaining and improving its wastewater collection and treatment systems for the betterment of both public and environmental health. For more information on MSD visit msdgc.org or for additional information on Project Groundwork go toprojectgroundwork.org.