In the wake of intensifying weather patterns, rising urbanization and mounting environmental challenges, stormwater collection systems have become a critical element of sustainable infrastructure. Often hidden beneath our cities and communities, these systems play an unsung but vital role in protecting public health, preserving natural ecosystems and safeguarding property. As climate change accelerates the frequency and intensity of storms, the importance of these systems can no longer be overlooked or underfunded.

At its core, a stormwater collection system is a network of drains, pipes, detention basins, retention ponds, green infrastructure and treatment facilities designed to manage rainfall runoff. When it rains, especially in urban areas where impermeable surfaces like roads and rooftops dominate, stormwater must be diverted and controlled to prevent flooding, erosion and pollution. These systems collect runoff, direct it safely away from populated areas, filter out pollutants and slowly release the water into natural bodies like rivers, lakes and aquifers.

One of the primary functions of stormwater infrastructure is reducing the pain and damage associated with flooding. Urban flooding, which occurs when rainfall overwhelms drainage systems, causes billions of dollars in damage each year across the globe. In the United States alone, flood events are increasing in frequency and cost. Without properly sized and installed stormwater collection systems, many cities would see streets turn into rivers and basements into ponds with every moderate rainstorm.

But it’s not just about property damage. Floodwaters can incapacitate emergency services, disrupt power and transportation and even result in loss of life. In lower-income neighborhoods, where infrastructure investment may be lacking, these events can devastate entire communities. Investing in and modernizing stormwater systems is a direct investment in public safety and equitable development. Unchecked stormwater not only floods our streets but also erodes our natural landscapes. Rapid, concentrated flows of runoff can destroy stream banks, degrade wetlands and wash away topsoil. This not only reduces the ecological integrity of these habitats but also adds sediment and nutrients to waterways, further compromising water quality.

A well-designed stormwater system acts like a buffer, slowing down the water and dispersing it in a controlled manner. Retention ponds and rain gardens absorb and store stormwater, allowing it to infiltrate into the ground rather than rush over it. This process helps maintain base flow in streams during dry periods, supports groundwater recharge and sustains habitat for fish, birds and other wildlife.

Regulation plays an important role in advancing stormwater infrastructure. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enforces stormwater discharge standards through the Clean Water Act, requiring municipalities, developers and industries to implement best management practices. While compliance can be challenging, these rules have driven innovation and raised awareness of the importance of stormwater control.

States and local governments also play a key role. Forward-thinking municipalities have implemented stormwater utility fees that fund maintenance and upgrades. Others have established incentives for property owners to install rain gardens or reduce impervious surfaces. These policy tools encourage shared responsibility for water stewardship across sectors.

The Road Ahead: Building Smarter, Greener Systems

As communities continue to grow and climate risks escalate, stormwater collection systems must evolve from reactive plumbing networks to proactive, integrated water management solutions. This requires a change—from viewing stormwater as waste to recognizing it as a valuable resource.

Capturing and reusing stormwater for irrigation, cooling or even potable use (where allowed) can help reduce pressure on freshwater supplies. Smart technologies, including sensors and real-time monitoring systems, are enabling more dynamic, adaptive management of stormwater assets. Coupled with digital modeling tools, engineers can now simulate flood scenarios and optimize designs for maximum resilience.

Stormwater collection systems are foundational to the health, safety and sustainability of modern society. Though often invisible to the public, they are critical lifelines during storms and key protectors of our water resources. As we look to a future shaped by environmental uncertainty, investing in smarter, greener stormwater infrastructure is essential.

Every July, the irrigation industry and water-conscious communities across the United States come together to observe Smart Irrigation Month—a national campaign dedicated to promoting efficient water use through innovation, education and responsible practices.

Originating in the early 2000s, Smart Irrigation Month is more than just a promotional effort. It represents a broader shift in how we value water as a finite resource and how technological advances can help ensure its sustainable use for generations to come.

The Irrigation Association (IA) launched Smart Irrigation Month in 2005 as a strategic effort to raise awareness about the importance of water conservation, particularly in agriculture and landscape irrigation. July was selected because it typically marks the peak of water use across North America, as summer heat drives up demand for outdoor irrigation.

What began as an industry initiative quickly gained traction among utilities, municipalities, water agencies and landscape professionals. These stakeholders recognized that smarter irrigation practices could help mitigate the strain on aging infrastructure, reduce environmental impact and cut costs for consumers and businesses alike.

Smart Irrigation Month coincides with a technological revolution in the way water is delivered to crops, lawns, parks and gardens. Over the past two decades, the irrigation industry has embraced smart controllers, soil moisture sensors, drip systems and weather-based technologies that adjust watering schedules in real-time based on conditions.

This shift from time-based to demand-based irrigation has had a profound impact. According to the EPA’s WaterSense program, smart irrigation controllers can reduce outdoor water use by 15–30%—a critical saving, particularly in drought-prone regions like the American Southwest.

The campaign also emphasizes the human side of innovation: encouraging property owners, farmers and landscape professionals to learn about best practices, maintain systems regularly and seek WaterSense-labeled products that meet EPA efficiency standards.

With climate change intensifying drought cycles and population growth increasing demand for fresh water, the importance of efficient irrigation has never been greater. In many U.S. states, outdoor irrigation accounts for 30–60% of residential water use. Agriculture, which relies heavily on irrigation, is responsible for nearly 40% of the nation’s freshwater withdrawals.

By spotlighting efficient irrigation during peak season, Smart Irrigation Month reminds us that every drop counts. The campaign serves as a platform for advocacy, helping to shape policy, influence product innovation and build public understanding of water stewardship.

It also provides an opportunity for professionals to showcase their expertise, educate customers and align their services with sustainable values. For consumers, it’s a reminder that small actions—like adjusting a sprinkler head or installing a rain sensor—can lead to big savings.

As Smart Irrigation Month continues to grow, it has become more than a marketing campaign—it’s a movement. One that champions collaboration between technology, policy and public awareness to ensure we use water wisely.

July is a time to celebrate progress, spotlight success stories and commit to the next chapter in efficient, intelligent water use. In a changing world, smart irrigation is no longer optional—it’s essential.