What is Community GSI?

GSI stands for green stormwater infrastructure. GSI helps our city’s streets work more like a forest by absorbing stormwater where it falls. On rainy days, big flows of stormwater in Seattle’s sewer system cause overflows into local waterways such as lakes, rivers, creeks and the Puget Sound. These overflows can contain sewage, and industrial pollutants that are bad for the environment and public health. Runoff from stormwater is a major issue in urban settings, therefore agencies like Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) are putting in roadside rain gardens, permeable pavement, street trees, and other GSI solutions on streets to mitigate stormwater runoff.

Benefits of Community GSI

GSI slows down stormwater and prevents flooding on city streets. It can also filter stormwater runoff before it reaches waterways. Plants in rain or pollinator gardens attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and birds. Additional tree canopy improves public health by cooling the area and capturing Co2. Roadside rain gardens can also help beautify neighborhoods.