Soak It Up

Stormwater is the water that originates from precipitation events, including rain and snowmelt. When it rains, the water either soaks into the ground, evaporates, or flows over the ground surface as stormwater. In urban areas, such as La Crosse, stormwater often flows over impervious surfaces like roads, parking lots, and rooftops. Stormwater runoff can cause two problems: water pollution and flooding.

Stormwater runs off land and either flows directly into our lakes, rivers and streams or travels through a stormwater conveyance system like curbs and gutters, inlets, storm sewers, ditches, retention ponds, and channels.

Managing stormwater is crucial to help reduce flooding events, prevent erosion, and protect water quality. Uncontrolled stormwater runoff can carry pollutants such as oil, chemicals and debris into local waterways, negatively impacting the environment and public health.

The Soak It Up Summer initiative encourages La Crosse residents to implement stormwater management practices at home. By building rain barrels, diverting downspouts into lawns and gardens, building rain gardens, or adopting public spaces through the Beautify La Crosse Program, residents can reduce runoff, promote water infiltration, and minimize pollution.

No. Soak It Up Summer is for everyone, including renters, businesses, and community members. There are many ways to manage stormwater that don't require owning property such as participating in community clean-up events, advocating for green infrastructure, and supporting local conservation efforts.

To learn more about Soak It Up Awards and the La Crosse Area Waters Program, visit La Crosse Area Waters. La Crosse Area Waters is made of members from the La Crosse Urban Stormwater Group who are actively pooling resources to provide outreach and education about stormwater runoff. Learn more about La Crosse Area Waters by visiting their website.

To learn more about municipal stormwater education and outreach in La Crosse, please visit Stormwater Utility.