Get Involved
USF's Stormwater Research
The department of civil engineering at USF is currently exploring options in the University area to create and install a new kind of stormwater filtration system to catch and filter stormwater contaminants. By placing plants and permiable soil contents at the inflow locations where stormwater enters a pond, these "Biopods" should assist in creating healthier stormwater by helping to filter out contaminants such as excess nitrogen before they enter the pond. USF is looking for the rich knowledge of local community members to learn about community concerns, desires, and suggestions, related to stormwater pond redesign. This is an important step towards achieving healthier stormwater, a healthier community, and a healthier environment.
How to get involved?
Anthropologists and engineers from USF are interested in hearing what university area community members have to say about stormpond redevelopment. Community members have important lived experiences and we'd love to hear about your experiences, future desires, and what you currently think about local stormwater ponds. We're always looking to learn from University area community members and integrate community feedback so if you would like to share your thoughts on stormwater the links below are for you!
Want to get involved?
Even if you don't think you are 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
Share your Stormpond concerns and desires
If you want to share your suggestions, desires, or concerns for the redevelopment of local stormponds please fill out one of these short forms below Stormwater suggestion form (English)
Stormwater suggestion form (Espanol)
What can be done to improve stormwater health?
A lot of individual actions and precautions can be taken to improve local stormwater health. While one person cannot singlehandely prevent the inflow of many long-term stormwater contaminants. Taking action on the individual level can contribute to healthier local stormwater. Personal actions that can be taken include: making sure that chemical substances that can be harmful to the environment are properly disposed of, making sure to responsibily dispose of trash or clean trash from the roadside where it can enter the stormwater system, cleaning up after your pets, and minimizing your use of industrial fertilizers or lawn chemicals. Another initative that can be taken is spreading information about stormwater's various problems through tools such as the EPA's stormwater resources or this website. An informed community is an aware community that can be stormwater conscious.
Community outreach
USF team members attend various university area community events. Feel free to come up and talk to us if you see us!.
