How do green streets work?
Green streets are designed to capture and treat stormwater runoff before it enters local waters. Stormwater runoff is channeled into green street planters, also known as rain gardens or bioswales. Through a process called biofiltration, these landscaped areas between the street and sidewalk use plants, trees, and soils to slow, filter, and clean stormwater runoff before it is discharged into local waters.
How do green streets benefit the community?
- Protect water quality in Puget Sound and local streams
- Absorb carbon and improve air quality
- Create a vibrant pedestrian environment by adding green space
- Strengthen connections between the retail/commercial, waterfront, and residential areas by improving the streetscape for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users
- Support economic activity in the Downtown corridor by creating an attractive and welcoming area for pedestrians
- Increase biodiversity of the streetscape
Image source: Grey to Green
Learn more about green streets and water quality:
- Benefits of a Green Street (EPA.gov)
- Green Street Principles (NACTO)
- Stormwater Pollution: The Big Picture (King Co.)
- Stormwater Runoff Pollution and How to Reduce It (King Co.)
- Clean Water, Healthy Habitat (King Co.)
- Threats to Puget Sound (WA Dept. of Ecology)
- Washington Waters - Ours to Protect (WA Dept. of Ecology)