Why Stormwater Management Matters
Dane County’s sparkling lakes, winding rivers, and productive agricultural lands define our region, but they’re under threat. As development accelerates across the county, effective stormwater management has become not just an environmental regulation, but a fundamental necessity for protecting our most precious resource: water.
The High Cost of Neglect
When we fail to manage stormwater properly, the consequences cascade through our ecosystem:
Water Quality Degradation
- Pollutants flow directly into waterways: sediment, excess nutrients, chemicals, heavy metals, and bacteria
- Toxic algal blooms proliferate in beloved lakes like Mendota and Monona
- Aquatic ecosystems decline, affecting everything from invertebrates to prized walleye
- Recreational opportunities diminish as water becomes unsafe
Flood Risk Intensification
- Urbanization creates impervious surfaces (roads, parking lots, rooftops)
- Natural drainage systems become overwhelmed
- Flooding frequency and severity increase
- Homes, businesses, and infrastructure face growing threats
The Solution: Comprehensive Stormwater Management
Dane County must implement a multi-pronged approach:
1. Strict Development Regulations
- Mandatory best management practices (BMPs) for all new development
- Erosion and sediment control during construction
- Long-term runoff management strategies
2. Green Infrastructure
- Rain gardens and bioswales
- Permeable pavements
- Green roofs
- Natural filtration systems that beautify landscapes
3. Engineered Solutions
- Detention ponds
- Infiltration basins
- Controlled-release structures
- Strategic peak flow management
4. Public Education
- Community awareness programs
- Responsible practice promotion
- Individual responsibility emphasis
Planning for Development: Land Allocation Requirements
Key Question for Developers
How much land should be dedicated to stormwater management?
The Answer: It Depends on Multiple Factors
Typical Range: 5% to 20% of developable land
Factors that determine specific requirements:
- Development size and intensity
- Soil types and infiltration rates
- Proximity to sensitive water bodies
- Watershed drainage characteristics
- Local municipal ordinances
Critical Planning Steps
- Consult municipal ordinances early
- Engage with county engineering staff
- Conduct thorough site assessments
- Soil testing
- Hydrological analysis
- Environmental impact evaluation
Why Proper Planning is Essential
Inadequate stormwater planning leads to:
- Costly project redesigns
- Construction delays
- Environmental damage
- Increased community flood risk
- Legal and regulatory challenges
The Bottom Line
Stormwater management isn’t optional—it’s an essential investment in Dane County’s future. By embracing these practices, we:
- Protect water resources
- Safeguard communities from flooding
- Preserve environmental and economic vitality
- Honor our region’s natural beauty
Developers, landowners, and community members: Let’s work together to ensure our water resources remain pristine for generations to come.