Stormwater runoff occurs when precipitation falls, lands and flows across surfaces that lead to our surface waters (creeks, streams, rivers, lakes and ponds). Stormwater pollution is generated when that runoff is not allowed to soak into the ground because of impervious surfaces. Impervious surfaces include sidewalks, roads, driveways, roofs and buildings. All of these surfaces prevent infiltration of stormwater into the soil where water and pollutants can be filtered through Earth's natural treatment system.

Pollution like trash, sediment, pet waste, bacteria, nutrients and chemicals can be picked up with stormwater as it runs off across these impervious surfaces, thereby introducing harmful pollution into our waterways. Remember this important adage:

"If it's on the ground, it's in our water."

Watersheds and Watershed Organizations in Johnson County

Watersheds are topographically defined areas of land where precipitation will flow across the landscape, storm sewer systems, urban areas and waterways to a central point. All land in Johnson County is within a watershed.

Watershed sizes can vary depending on the scale of interest. For example, Downtown Olathe is located in the Cedar Creek Watershed. This watershed includes Lake Olathe and drains stormwater from cities like Olathe, Lenexa and De Soto.

All the stormwater that falls around Downtown Olathe will flow through storm sewer pipes, into drainage channels and into Cedar Creek, which eventually drains into the Kansas River north of 83rd Street. If we widen our view, the Cedar Creek Watershed is located within the Kansas River Watershed, then the Missouri River Watershed and finally the Mississippi River Basin.

It's important to remember, we all live in a watershed.

Floating wetland water quality project funded by the Stormwater Management Program, installed by the City of Overland Park at South Lake Park

The Stormwater Management Program's 2018 Strategic Plan established the need and desire to devote significant program dollars to protecting and improving water quality through studies and project funding.

Water quality improvement projects include an array of project types that encompass green stormwater infrastructure, environmental engineering, conservation practices and ecological restoration.

The Stormwater Management Program funds projects like floating wetlands, pervious pavement, riparian corridor restorations, conservation opportunities, bioretention wetlands and more.

Cities & SMAC Partners: Apply online for Stormwater Management Program funding for a Preliminary Project Study or Flood Risk Reduction Project by following the step-by-step submission instructions.

Friends of the Kaw and Hocker Grove Middle School students assessing Turkey Creek in Merriam

Since 2004, the Stormwater Management Program has led efforts to educate the community in stormwater management and water quality. The program is required to meet the Clean Water Act through many activities, none more important than informing the public, involving the community, and educating the next generation of Johnson County residents.

The program provides funding annually to all cities within the county to assist in their own Clean Water Act compliance. Through these services, funding, and programs, the Stormwater Management Program has worked with many partners, schools, educators, leaders and organizations to make the county a more educated and engaged community.

To learn more about some of the education currently being funded by the program, see the list of partners that are currently working in the county.