Want To Get Involved?
USF's Stormwater Research
Researchers from the Department Of Civil and Environmental Engineering at USF are currently exploring options in the University area to create and install a new kind of stormwater filtration system to catch and filter excess stormwater contaminants. By placing plants and permiable soil contents at the inflow locations where stormwater enters a pond, these "Biopods" should assist in creating a healthier stormwater system by helping to filter out contaminants such as excess nitrogen before they enter the pond. We're currently looking for the rich knowledge of local community members to learn more about community concerns, desires, and suggestions, for potential stormwater pond redesign.
How To Get Involved?
Anthropologists and environmental engineers from USF are interested in hearing about how members of the University area community feel about local stormwater ponds and potential stormwater pond redevelopment. The lived experiences of community members are an important form of knowledge for understanding local stormwater and the space of the University Area. We'd love to hear about your current feelings about stormwater, experiences living in the area, and future desires for stormwater pond sites. We're always looking to hear more from University Area community members so if you'd like to share your thoughts the links below are for you!
Want to Reach Out and Get Involved?
Even if you don't see yourself as particularly knowledgeable about stormwater your thoughts and lived experiences matter. If you'd like to get involved and share your input please fill out the form below.Stormwater project involvement interest form
Interested In Sharing Your Concerns and Desires?
If you want to share your suggestions, desires, or concerns for the possible redevelopment of local stormwater pond sites please fill out one of these short forms below Stormwater suggestion form (English)
Stormwater suggestion form (Espanol)
How can you improve stormwater health?
You can take initiative through many individual actions to impact the overall health of your local stormwater system. While one person cannot singlehandely prevent large scale issues such as the inflow of industrial contaminants you can make a difference through smaller personal choices. This can include simply making sure that you are properly disposing of substances such as motor oil, household cleaners, and other forms of chemical waste. Avoiding the excess use of fertilizers or other nutrient rich garden products that may flow into stormwater ponds. Cleaning up after your pets when they may leave waste behind, and likewise responsibly disposing of trash so that it does not end up sitting on the ground and potentially clogging important stormwater pathways. Although small actions individually, these are some of the ways you and your community can be stormwater conscious. Raising awareness for these issues is another pathway to making a positive effort to improve stormwater health.
Public Outreach
Members of the project also frequently attend local events in the University Area community. Feel free to come up, have a conversation, and even ask some questions if you see us!.
